Step 1
We will take a look at the poem Mother to Son written by the famous Harlem Renaissance poet, Langston Hughes. Before we get to the poem you need to make sure that you know all the literary terms you will be using during this poem study. Go through this slide show and make sure you are familiar with all of the terms and that you have your Literary Term Flashcards for each of these terms ready for you to reference later on.
We will take a look at the poem Mother to Son written by the famous Harlem Renaissance poet, Langston Hughes. Before we get to the poem you need to make sure that you know all the literary terms you will be using during this poem study. Go through this slide show and make sure you are familiar with all of the terms and that you have your Literary Term Flashcards for each of these terms ready for you to reference later on.
Step 2
Now it's time to read the poem. Read either the version below, or the printed version you were given in class. Annotate as you read the poem.
Mother to Son by Langston Hughes
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor--
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now--
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
Step 3
Next, watch this video and listen to the poem being read. You will hear two versions; the first read by actor Viola Davis, and the second read by the poem's author, Langston Hughes. Read along as you watch and listen.
Now it's time to read the poem. Read either the version below, or the printed version you were given in class. Annotate as you read the poem.
Mother to Son by Langston Hughes
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor--
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now--
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
Step 3
Next, watch this video and listen to the poem being read. You will hear two versions; the first read by actor Viola Davis, and the second read by the poem's author, Langston Hughes. Read along as you watch and listen.
Step 4
Now you will work on a poem analysis activity. You have been given a copy of the worksheet that you see below (you can print the document if you need another copy). Start with the question at the top and work your way down the sheet through all of the questions. Refer to your Literary Term Flashcards to make sure that you understand all of the questions. Scroll down for a video walkthrough to help you complete this assignment.
Now you will work on a poem analysis activity. You have been given a copy of the worksheet that you see below (you can print the document if you need another copy). Start with the question at the top and work your way down the sheet through all of the questions. Refer to your Literary Term Flashcards to make sure that you understand all of the questions. Scroll down for a video walkthrough to help you complete this assignment.
Step 5
Now take the Mother to Son quiz.
Now take the Mother to Son quiz.