TITLE: Poetry Lesson on Langston Hughes and the African American Experience

SUBJECT: English - Poetry

TEKS:

8.2 A, D, E, F 8.4 A, B, C, 8.7 D 8.8 B, C, D 8.10 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, 8.11 A, B, C, D 8.12 B, H, J, K 8.13 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I 8.14 A, B, C 8.15 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H 8.16 A, B, C, D, E, F, G 8.17 A, B, C, D

OBJECTIVE:

Following the reading of a short biographical sketch and selected poems of Langston Hughes, students will show understanding of the hardships historically faced by Black Americans through class discussion, interpretation, and journaling.

MATERIALS:

• Biographical Sketch of L. Hughes: (http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~nick/e309k/texts/hughes/hughes-bio.html)
• Suggested Poems and Discussion Questions
• See images below

Dorothea Lange, A Black Cemetery

Dorothea Lange, A Thirteen Year-Old Sharecropper Boy...

Dorothea Lange, A Former Slave and His Wife

Russell Lee, Man Drinking "Colored Water"...

Ben Shahn, Picking Cotton

Carl Mydans, Cotton Workers On The Road...

IMPLEMENTATION:

1. Have students read and discuss the short biographical sketch of Langston Hughes.

2. Read and discuss recommended poems.

3. Use images as support for the time and lifestyle of the Black American.

4. This lesson has the potential for resulting in a number of outcomes:

a) a simple introduction and discussion regarding a famous American poet and some of his works
b) students may journal interpretations, responses, and reactions to the written text
c) students may develop questions on which to provide a formal research project
d) students may create poetry reflecting their own ethnical heritage
e) students may select one picture from which to write a creative story based on the information gathered through additional research. This should include dialogue and actual, factual information.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Nightjohn, Gary Paulsen
Mississippi Bridge, Mildred Taylor
Gold Cadillac, Mildred Taylor
Slave Dancer, Paula Fox
Slavery Time When I Was Chillun, Brenda Hurmence
100 Penny Box, Sharon Bell Mathis
Warriors Don't Cry, Melba Pattillo Beals