The Harlem Renaissance: Sixth Grade Social Studies

Title: The Harlem Renaissance: Sixth Grade Social Studies

Overview/Annotation:

This lesson will bring to life the art, music and changes in society during the Harlem Renaissance. The students will use a website designed by ArtsEdge through MarcoPolo to create a mini-newspaper including sections: World news, Arts & Entertainment, and Sports. The inclusion of world events and sports will help with perspective as the students embrace the arts. Students will create a “newspaper” on Publisher.

Primary Learning Objective(s):

The students will identify key people, places and events that introduced the nation to a new style of art, music, literature and dance and the artists who created them.

The students will examine the effects of the Harlem Renaissance on our culture

Additional Learning Objective(s):

The students will utilize Microsoft Publisher in the creation of a class arts and entertainment “newspaper.”

The students will implement the “who, what, when, where, why, how” philosophy that journalists use when conveying a story to us as they write articles for the newspaper.

Total Duration: Two weeks (some of the days may be just part time or writing taking place in the English class.)

Materials and Equipment:

-Library resources: Print and computer access for AVL and Internet research.

-Floppy Disk

Technology Resources Needed:

-A computer with speakers and Publisher available to the students.

-Access to at least three computers.

http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/exploring/harlem/artsedge.html

Background/Preparation:

-Black & White magazine

-Birmingham News, Shelby County Reporter

Procedures/Activities:

1.  Break into five groups: overview article and layout; arts; literature; music; entertainment (dance and actors). Each group will 2-3 reporters, photographer & graphic designer, editor/taskmaster (will help with investigative reporting).

2.  Each group will be responsible for ONE page of the paper. There is a minimum of two articles required. You must also have pictures with a caption. Some ideas would be to write reviews, quick bios, Showtime tables, “interviews” and more!

3.  The students will start with the website from MarcoPolo to find pictures and information about their area of interest.

4.  The library and other online resources from the AVL or Library of Congress will be available for finding out more information such as real names of theaters and such.

5.  In English class the students will begin working on their articles. Each group will be given a layout sheet to start putting together their components on paper first.

6.  Each group will spend time on the computer transferring their information to the publishing program. After doing so their page will be printed off, one per group member, for final review.

7.  After each group is satisfied they will merge the files onto one “newspaper.”

Assessment Strategies:

Rubric:

Out of 5 for each component for a total of 25 for each individual and 100 for group.

Accommodation:

Make a shorter newspaper. Give any inclusion student a specific assignment within the group. (i.e.: if in the dance and acting section have them write some information on Bill Robinson rather than trying to read through and picking someone. Also the media specialist will be able to locate some materials that will be easier to use.)