Harlem Renaissance Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie

Who are some Black American artists, musicians, or writers you know? (Tap prior knowledge)

Why do you think it is important to see, hear, and read works from diverse voices? (Predict)

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 2:04: How did W.E.B Dubois’s theory of double consciousness contribute to the Harlem Renaissance? (Make connections; Identify cause/effect)

Timecode 2:44: How did different artists use art to tell the stories of Black Americans? (Identify main idea and details; Compare/contrast)

Timecode 4:15:  In what ways did the thinkers and artists mobilize the larger Black American population? (Identify cause/effect)

After the Movie

Look at the four related movies at the bottom of the page. Explain how each is connected to the Harlem Renaissance topic. (Make connections)

What more do you want to learn about the Harlem Renaissance? (Reflect; Set goals)

How did the Harlem Renaissance change arts and culture? (Apply new knowledge; Identify cause/effect)

BrainPOP recommends reading the movie description that appears on the Harlem Renaissance Topic Page to your class. Then show the movie once through without pausing.  Watch it again, this time using the discussion prompts.

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.