"Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes
Lesson Plans and Teaching Resources

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.

Graphic organizer for active reading, practice with editing and modifiers. Requires Adobe Reader or equivalent application for access.

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.

Text of the story.

Six discussion questions and a writing prompt: put yourself in Roger's shoes (character analysis). 1 page; Adobe Reader required.

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.

"Do Now" exercises emphasizing language development: vocabulary, irregular verbs, and context clues.

"Thank You, M'am" and
Students write a letter to a judge, asking the judge to drop charges against Roger related to the attempted theft of Mrs. Jones' purse.

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.