Informational Reading Comprehension: The Harlem Renaissance: A Legacy of Culture, Creativity, and Change

Explore a fascinating period of U.S. history with this informational reading worksheet about the Harlem Renaissance. This three-page worksheet invites middle school readers to delve into an original nonfiction passage about some of the causes and lasting impacts of the cultural movement. After reading the two-page informational passage, students will demonstrate their understanding of the text by answering a mix of multiple-choice and short-answer reading comprehension questions.

Take it further by asking learners to consider how music, art, or literature can be a powerful tool for positive change today. Or have students research one of the influential figures of the Harlem Renaissance and write a paragraph describing the person's individual contributions. You can introduce learners to a poetry sample from a leader of the Harlem Renaissance with the Analyzing Poetry: Mother to Son by Langston Hughes worksheet.

This worksheet is an invaluable resource as part of a U.S. history lesson or during Black History Month. For more information, check out this article from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.