"Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes
Lesson Plans and Teaching Resources
In Their Shoes: Finding Voice through Personal Narrative
This unit will start the students' exploration of voice through the study and writing of personal narratives. This personal reflection allows students to write about a familiar subject and examine themselves as they explore their development of voice. It uses "Thank You, M'am" and Hughes' "Theme for English B" and other works as models.
"Thank You, M'am"
Graphic organizer for active reading, practice with editing and modifiers. Requires Adobe Reader or equivalent application for access.
"Thank You, M'am"
Students note details as they read. Includes text-dependent questions and evidence-based answers, academic vocabulary, a culminating writing task with writing prompt and structure, a model response, and additional learning activities. Word processor required for access.
"Thank You, M'am"
Text of the story.
"Thank You, M'am"
Six discussion questions and a writing prompt: put yourself in Roger's shoes (character analysis). 1 page; Adobe Reader required.
"Thank You, M'am"
Through teacher reading, student independent reading and rereading, and scaffolded discussion of text-dependent questions, students will identify internal and external conflict in a short story and poem. Vocabulary is learned from context and writing aids deeper understanding of text. The lesson culminates in an evidentiary writing activity. Designed as exemplar lesson for 7th grade. 11 pages; Adobe Reader required.
"Thank You, M'am"
"Do Now" exercises emphasizing language development: vocabulary, irregular verbs, and context clues.
"Thank You, M'am"
Performance Task
and
Rubric
Students write a letter to a judge, asking the judge to drop charges against Roger related to the attempted theft of Mrs. Jones' purse.
"Thank You, M'am"
Students explore characters issues of kindness and choice via current news events and role play. Includes related news items, role play scenarios, and text of the story. Designed for middle school. 9 pages; Adobe Reader required.