Every classroom is different. While it is often said that students are likely to struggle with poetry, Hughes's accessible language, the poem's singsong tone, and the clear and suspenseful storytelling within the piece might prove more appealing to students than other poems they have read. Use the opportunity to encourage both the reading and writing of poetry, and to explore literature with an eye towards justice.
These lessons and activities provide many different approaches to the text; select those that best suit the strengths and interests of your own class. The thought questions in this lesson plan provide material and ideas that students can use to write short original essays and...
