The Poet's Voice: Langston Hughes and You

"Salvation," a short story written by Langston Hughes, is about religion and one boy's struggle to believe in Jesus. After reading the text with your class (not provided), distribute the four short-answer questions listed here. Readers...

Explore writers of the civil rights movement through a focused lesson on the Langston Hughes poem I Look at the World. Learners listen to the poem, then complete episodic notes in a graphic organizer. They focus on specific parts of the...

Discuss the meaning of the phrase tone of voice with the class. They respond to a variety of scenarios where a particular tone would be prevalent. They then read "Mother to Son" without knowing the title and answer some questions about...

After an overview of the format of the literary analysis essay, viewers examine paragraphs that model “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D” level work. Each graded paragraph is followed with an analysis which explains the score. A real strength of the...

Introduce your young scholars to personification. The literary device is clearly defined and illustrated with clever examples. Opportunities for guided and independent practice using poems by Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes are also...

Young scholars analyze the use of voice in Langston Hughes' poetry. In this poetry analysis lesson, students define voice in poetry and write journal entries to develop their voice as writers. Young scholars write a poem with a clear...

When delving into such writings as "I Too Sing America" or "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by poet, novelist, and playwright Langston Hughes, don't forget to provide this important historical background information on the Harlem Renaissance...

Students use Langston Hughes' "Thank You Ma'am" as a reading and vocabulary improvement activity. In this reading and vocabulary lesson plan, students review the related vocabulary and read the poem. Students discuss the story elements...

Encourage your pupils to imagine their own dreams for the future. After studying three poems by Langston Hughes and listening to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech, young poets craft their own dream stanza. 

Eighth graders study Langston Hughes, "Thank You Ma'am" to discover the elements of plot, character motives and reactions. They express the effects of trust and kindness by writing a reflective personal narrative. They illustrate the...