Lesson Plan

 Lesson Plan 

LaTrinity Coleman 

Date: 11/30/2025 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IYFH1xrJOHjnI6fF0zQ16E9UYjF5yOCx0jBUWzlvHbA/edit?usp=sharing

This lesson introduces students to the vibrant artistic contributions of Jacob Lawrence and the broader Harlem Renaissance community. Through discussion, analysis, and creative activities, students will explore how Lawrence used art to document African American life, celebrate community resilience, and highlight historical narratives. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the Harlem Renaissance as a cultural movement that blended art, music, literature, and social change. 

Objectives • Understand the cultural and historical significance of the Harlem Renaissance. • Analyze Jacob Lawrence’s artistic style and themes, particularly from The Migration Series.

 • Discuss how community identity and African American experiences are portrayed through Lawrence’s work. • Apply knowledge by creating visual or written work inspired by Harlem Renaissance storytelling. Reading / Viewing Material Jacob Lawrence: The Artist and Historian Jacob Lawrence was surrounded by creative energy in Harlem—painters, writers, musicians, dancers, and political thinkers. This environment shaped his passion for storytelling through art. His paintings often portray community life, struggle, migration, work, and hope. Lawrence believed the experiences of African Americans were worthy of documentation and celebration. 

• Lawrence used bold colors, simple shapes, and expressive figures to communicate emotion and movement. • His famous Migration Series tells the story of African Americans moving from the South to the North in the early 20th century. • He was inspired by the community around him—church gatherings, neighborhood workers, families, and historical speeches.

 • Many Harlem Renaissance artists believed their work could uplift the community and inspire unity and pride. The Harlem Renaissance Community

• Harlem was a cultural center where Black artists exchanged ideas and supported one another. • Art was used as a tool for empowerment, education, and activism. • Musicians, writers, and painters believed in telling their own stories rather than letting others define them. 

• Collaboration was common—artists drew inspiration from jazz music, literature, and everyday life. • The Harlem Renaissance celebrated Black identity, creativity, and the power of community history. Videos Video 1: Introduction to Jacob Lawrence A short documentary that explores Lawrence’s early life, his artistic influences, and the themes found in his most famous collections. Students learn how community, family, and social issues shaped his work. The Power of Paint: How Jacob Lawrence Told Black History Through Art Video 2: The Harlem Renaissance Explained This video gives insights into how artists, writers, and thinkers collaborated to shape a new cultural identity for African Americans during the early 20th century. Includes examples of music, poetry, and visual art from the period Bing Videos Discussion Questions • What were your initial impressions of Jacob Lawrence’s art? • How do you think community and culture influenced his paintings? • Why do you think artists felt it was important to depict African American life during the Harlem Renaissance? • Do you believe art can shape our understanding of history? Explain.

 • How do Lawrence’s paintings make you feel about the experiences of people during the Great Migration? Activity #1: Comparative Analysis Students will select two Harlem Renaissance artists—one visual artist (such as Lawrence) and one writer/musician—and compare: 

• Their themes • Their contributions to the movement • Their messages about African American life • How community influenced their work Students will create a short written analysis explaining similarities and differences in their approaches to storytelling. Activity #2: Creative Expression Project Students will produce a visual project inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s style or Harlem Renaissance themes. Options include: • A painting or drawing using Lawrence’s color-block style • A collage representing community life in Harlem • A short narrative poem accompanied by art • A mini “Migration Series” inspired by a modern social theme Guidelines: • Include a brief explanation of the theme and artistic choices • Present the project to the class in the form of a poster, PowerPoint, or short video Activity #3: Reflective Essay Students will write a short essay on the importance of preserving cultural stories and artistic traditions within communities. Prompts may include: • Why is it important for artists to document community history?

 • What lessons can we learn from the Harlem Renaissance today? • How does your own community influence your identity? Field Trip Students will attend a field trip to a local museum featuring African American art or Harlem Renaissance exhibits. During the visit, students will explore: • Original Jacob Lawrence pieces or similar works 

• Artifacts from Harlem Renaissance artists • Displays that illustrate the Great Migration, community life, or jazz culture Students will complete a reflection sheet describing one artwork that resonated with them and