Heart and Soul Heritage Pack - African American History Literature Lesson Guide

The Heart & Soul Heritage Pack is designed as a broad journey through the contributions and experiences of African Americans across the history of America. The lesson plans are grounded in Kadir Nelson’s stirring paintings and words that grace 100-plus pages of a gorgeous picture book whose story is told through the unique point of view and intimate voice of a one-hundred-year-old African-American female narrator. African American poets have often used words to express themselves during times of sadness and joy, and poems spanning across two hundred years of history are scheduled for each lesson so your children can connect with the ever-evolving body of Black poetry. Evocative historical moments and people are given more introspective study using additional living books to tell an inspirational story of hope and unwavering courage.

Target grades: 4th – 6th grade (can easily extend down for younger students/siblings who are ready for the material and topics)

Lessons scheduled: 36 weekly lessons. Though designed for a single school year, these literature-based lessons could easily be stretched out to cover multiple years. And many of the readings stand alone so some can be removed if you prefer to move through the lessons more quickly.

What’s included:

• A list of recommended book titles with summaries
• Lesson-by-lesson suggested page breakdowns that combine books for a cohesive program
• A recommended bonus book not shown here and 12 free video suggestions that bring the stories to life with real imagery - just for fun!
• Five alternate titles not shown here that can be chosen if your students or family have already read some of selections, you are unable to purchase them (high price, out of print, budget, etc.), or cannot find titles in the library.
• This pack does NOT include reproducible worksheets or activities for children. It is a lesson planning guide for parents and teachers.

The Heart and Soul Heritage Pack includes the titles below along with over twenty picture books to offer an amazing look at the lives of African Americans who have impacted so much of what we know and love about America today.

Sample of scheduled books:

• Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson
• Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule
• Stella by Starlight
• A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver

Policies for use of my digital products are as follows:

• You MAY use these downloads to print for your own personal use only.
• You MAY NOT use these downloadable products in art work of your own or to sell or give away in its digital or printed form. You may not print these files to sell or to mass produce a physical item for sale.