Panel 58 from Jacob Lawrence's "Migration Series" of paintings provides middle schoolers with an opportunity to sharpen their observation and analytical skills. After engaging in a warm-up activity that introduces the concepts of direction, level, and line, learners apply these concepts to their analysis of Lawrence's painting.

Concepts

the great migration, slavery, art analysis, jacob lawrence, the harlem renaissance, close reading, making observations, observational skills, critical thinking

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the lesson during a study of The Great Migration, of the Harlem Renaissance, or during February's Black History Month
• Have groups research the other panels in the Migration series of paintings

Classroom Considerations

• Projection equipment is required to display the painting and the videos
• Copies of the worksheet are also required

Pros

• The warm-up activity provides a context for the observation of key elements of the painting
• The two-day plan is carefully scaffolded and richly detailed
• Activities that extend the lesson are included

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.8.1 SL.8.1.a SL.8.1.b SL.8.1.c SL.8.1.d RH.6-8.5 RH.6-8.7