Using the roaring twenties timeline helps to pinpoint important events in this fascinating decade, and adding a hands-on flapper headband gives you a hands-on activity that helps bring the topic to life.
The 1920s, often called the Roaring Twenties, were a decade full of excitement, change, and creativity.
After the hardships of World War I, people were ready to celebrate life- music, fashion, and technology all evolved, shaping a culture that still influences us today.
I grabbed just a few supplies from the craft store, and we were able to make this beautiful headband that perfectly highlights this time period and can also be used as part of a great costume for multiple occasions.
But even though the decade is often remembered for music, fashion, and fun, it’s important to take a look at the whole picture.
The 1920s were filled with both progress and conflict. Many exciting things were happening at the same time that serious struggles were shaping the future of the United States.
BOOKS SET IN OR ABOUT EVENTS IN THE 1920s FOR KIDS
Next, look at some books to add to your home library or use for a unit study.
9 Books Set in or About Events of the 1920s
In the 1920s, cars became more common and music in the 1920s was all about jazz. Dances like the Charleston became super popular. One of the strangest laws of the 1920s was called Prohibition. It made it illegal to make or sell alcohol. Add some of the books set in 1920s or about the events of 1920s.
Extravagant rumors abound of a man named Jay Gatsby who has newly arrived to the coastline of a section of Long Island known colloquially as West Egg. Long into the night, the mysterious Gatsby threw lavish parties at his sprawling estate, but when alone, Gatsby could be found staring longingly at a solitary green light across the dark water. For all Gatsby has attained in his life, that green light represents all that he lost.The greatest story to encapsulate the roaring twenties, The Great Gatsby follows the eventful lives of the denizens from East and West Egg in this timeless classic of American literature.
As evenings gather around the hearth and stories begin to unfold, the boundary between the visible and the unseen slowly softens. Beyond the ordinary world lies the Clear Land—where the Wind Boy, a radiant companion, draws near to those who are ready to see with more than their eyes. And through friendship, trust, and quiet courage, the children begin to discover that what is most real is not always what is most easily seen. In this early landmark of spiritually imaginative children’s fiction, Ethel Cook Eliot offers a tender and enduring insight: the most precious gifts in life cannot be bought—they are received.
The classic story of Cinderella gains even more charm in this glamorous retelling by world-famous picture book writer and illustrator Shirley Hughes.Ella Cinders loves helping her father in his dress shop and laughing with her friend Buttons, the store's delivery boy. Then comes the terrible day when her father remarries and everything changes. Her stepmother makes her sew in the dreary basement. Her stepsisters mock her shabby dress. And to top it off, the new Mrs. Cinders forbids Ella to attend the duke's grand ball. Heartbroken, Ella is sure that her life will never be what she dreamed. But with the help of a fairy godmother and some sparkling courage of her own, this Cinderella discovers that dreams can come true in the most unexpected of ways.Join Ella amidst the dazzle and fashion of the roaring twenties as she takes happily ever after into her own hands!
Set in the 1920s, Billy has long dreamt of owning not one, but two, dogs. So when he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own—Old Dan and Little Ann—he’s ecstatic. It doesn’t matter that times are tough; together they’ll roam the hills of the Ozarks.Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley. Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters—now friends—and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past.
Fran Parker enters a radio contest and wins a chance to fly in an airplane
Set in the 1920s. Alex's parents are killed during the Bolshevik Revolution and he is forced to join a gang of homeless, criminal children for survival, eventually winning freedom and decency for himself and his "family" of waifs.
Back in 1923, a long-distance telephone call took hours to place, and overseas calls weren't possible at all. But a new invention, called wireless radio, permitted instant communication over long distances. A young boy, itching to get involved, buys a secondhand receiver and earphones, and studies hard to learn Morse code so that he can pass the test to qualify as an amateur radio operator and get his own station: 2AZK. Its fun talking with people all over the world just by tapping on his telegraph key (and readers can tap along - there's Morse code to follow in the pictures). Then one night he picks up a distress signal from Florida -- family stranded in flood -- and uses his skill for something more important. Based on the author's father's experiences as a young ham operator in the 1920s, Radio Rescue is an exciting story of a moment in technological history.
A chronological history of music with a pack of pictures to paste in. Written by James Francis Cooke to educate youths on the history of music, musicians, and musical instruments, and to hopefully get those same youths interested or more interested in music.
In 1921 when Celeste Lassiter Massey is forced to live with her actress Aunt Valentina in Harlem, she is not thrilled to trade her friends and comfortable North Carolina for scary, big-city life. While Celeste experiences the Harlem Renaissance in full swing, she sees as much grit as glamour. A passionate writer, talented violinist, and aspiring doctor, she eventually faces a choice between ambition and loyalty, roots and horizons. The decision will change her forever.
People disagreed over values, especially when it came to religion, education, and personal freedom.
One well-known example is the Scopes Trial, where a teacher was put on trial for teaching evolution in school. It became a national debate about science and faith.
ABOUT THE 1920s
There were also strong efforts to limit immigration during this time. Laws were passed to reduce the number of people entering the country, especially from southern and eastern Europe.
At the same time, the Ku Klux Klan grew in power, promoting fear and discrimination against different groups.
Prohibition was a nationwide ban on the production and sale of alcohol that lasted from 1920 to 1933, created by the Eighteenth Amendment.
Supporters believed it would reduce crime and improve family life, but it often had the opposite effect.
Illegal bars called speakeasies became popular, and bootleggers secretly made and sold alcohol.
This underground activity helped organized crime grow quickly, making Prohibition one of the most controversial experiments in American history.
In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave women the right to vote, opening the door to greater freedom and opportunity.
At the same time, new inventions like radios and automobiles made life faster and more connected.
People listened to music in their homes, went to movie theaters, and danced the night away.
THE ROARING TWENTIES TIMELINE
Here is a simple look at some of the events that have changed our world in many ways.
1920
The 19th Amendment gives women the right to vote.
Prohibition in the United States begins (alcohol is banned).
1921–1924
Jazz music spreads across the country, and musicians like Louis Armstrong rise to fame
Radios became popular in homes.
1925
The Great Gatsby was published, and the novel reflects the wealth, parties, and challenges of the era.
1927
The Jazz Singer becomes the first successful “talking movie.”
1928
The economy is booming, and many people invest in the stock market.
1929
The Stock Market Crash of 1929 ended the decade’s prosperity.
The Great Depression begins.
ROARING 20’S RESOURCES
A must-read for your teen in a roaring 20’s unit is, of course, The Great Gatsby, a classic that paints a great picture of life in those times. And here is a self-paced online language arts course – The Great Gatsby Online Book Club ~ American Classic Literature Series for Teens to add to your study.
Check out this Ted-Ed video on YouTube- What happened when the United States banned alcohol – Rod Phillips
Here is a list of some big movies of the 1920’s.
Listen to jazz great Louis Armstrong play a soulful sax in one of his 1920’s hits.
EASY FLAPPER HEADBAND CRAFT
Today, our craft will focus on flappers, young women who challenged traditional expectations.
They wore shorter dresses, styled their hair in bobs, and loved dancing to jazz music.
Flapper headbands, often decorated with feathers, beads, and jewels, became iconic accessories representing fun and freedom. You can keep it simple or get a little extravagant with it.
To make it more than just a simple craft but a learning experience, you can…
- Play jazz music while working
- Practice a few basic dance steps inspired by the Charleston
- Have kids dress up and “step into” the 1920s
You will need:
- Elastic headband or ribbon
- Feathers
- Sequins, beads, or a brooch
- Felt or fabric scrap
- Glue
- Scissors
First, wrap the ribbon or elastic around the head to ensure a comfortable fit.
Hot glue the ends together, just slightly overlapping.
Cut a small oval or circle from the felt. This will hold your decorations.
Glue feathers and fan them out to create volume.
Cut a second piece of felt and cover the tips of the feathers.
Glue sequins, beads, or rhinestones onto the felt piece.
Attach the feather to the top or side of the felt piece for a classic flapper look using hot glue, and glue right over the seam.
Allow everything to dry.
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