In the year 1955, author and poet Langston Hughes wrote the famous story, "Thank You, M'am." This was shortly after the song "Blue Suede Shoes" came out and was an instant hit. The song and the story are connected in a special way. As you enjoy the song, think about what would be the "blue suede shoes" of our times.
1. Before reading, complete the Agree/Disagree statements in your "Thank You M'am" document in your Language Arts classroom.
2. Now, as you read the short literary work, use the text evidence, along with your own knowledge, to draw a conclusion about a possible theme. What point is Langston Hughes trying to make about life or human nature? Audio Recording
When getting to know someone new, we often ask them, "Where are you from?" But what does their answer really tell us about their life?
Using George Ella Lyon's poem as inspiration, write your own "I am from" poem. You may also view the poet's multimedia presentation of her poem.
George Ella Lyon's poem uses sensory details to describe the important people, places, and things that influenced her life. In this student version of the poem, the focus is on certain challenges the poet has faced and his dream for the future.
1. Use the I am FromPoem scaffold as a guide to writing your own "I am from" poem. There are many other versions of the poem on Youtube if you need further inspiration. (Please use your earbuds when listening from your own Chromebook.)
Your poem will be shared with the class on your personal blog. Sensory Detail
Sensory details, also known as sensory language, are describing words that appeal to the five senses:
touch, smell, sight, sound, taste.
Sensory details will bring your writing to life. What sensory details do you notice in George Ella Lyon's poem?
I am from clothespins,
from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride.
I am from the dirt under the back porch.
(Black, glistening
it tasted like beets.)
2. Revise your "I am from" poem by adding sensory language that will bring the images to life in the mind of your reader. Please highlight your revisions so that the teacher can see the additions you made.
"Thank You, M'am"
