Core Skills Analysis
Literature
- The student gained an understanding of Langston Hughes as a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, which provides historical context for his poetry.
- By reading 'Mother to Son,' the student explored themes such as resilience, perseverance, and hope, which are central to the poem's message.
- The student analyzed the poem's narrative style and the use of colloquial language to express the mother's advice, enhancing comprehension of figurative and thematic elements.
- Exposure to Hughes' work introduces the student to cultural and historical perspectives, enriching appreciation for diverse voices in American literature.
History
- Studying Langston Hughes’ life introduced the student to the Harlem Renaissance era, highlighting its significance in African American cultural history.
- The student learned about social and racial challenges faced by African Americans during Hughes' lifetime and how these influenced his writings.
- The activity helped the student connect historical events and movements to literary expressions that emerged in the early 20th century.
- Insights into Hughes’ personal experiences fostered an understanding of the role of artists in social commentary and change.
Tips
To deepen the student's engagement, encourage creative assignments such as writing their own poem inspired by the themes in 'Mother to Son.' Discussing other poems by Langston Hughes can broaden their literary scope. Incorporate multimedia resources like audio recordings of Hughes’ poetry to enhance auditory learning. For history, consider field trips to museums or virtual tours about the Harlem Renaissance to contextualize the era further. Collaborative projects exploring the social impact of art during Hughes’ time can also reinforce cross-disciplinary connections.
Book Recommendations
- If You’re Going to Harlem by Jill Nelson: A vibrant introduction to Harlem’s history and culture, capturing the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance in a way that's engaging for young readers.
- Langston Hughes: Poet of the Harlem Renaissance by Kyrie N. Hughes: A biography tailored for middle-grade readers, offering insights into Hughes' life, challenges, and influence on American poetry.
- Mother to Son / The Negro Speaks of Rivers: Poems by Langston Hughes (Adapted edition): A child-friendly collection featuring some of Langston Hughes’ most famous poems including 'Mother to Son,' with explanations to aid understanding.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2 - Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3 - Describe how a particular story’s or poem’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3 - Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7 - Integrate information presented in different media or formats to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.