Structure, Theme, Poetry, Analyze, Imagery Lesson Plan for 9th Grade Example Students

Topic: Langston Hughes' "Dream Deferred"

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to analyze the structure and theme of "Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes.
• Students will be able to identify and analyze the use of imagery in "Dream Deferred."

Materials

• Copies of "Dream Deferred" for each student
• Chart paper or markers
• Blank sheets of paper

Warm-Up

• Begin the lesson by asking students to think about a time when they had a dream or ambition, but were unable to achieve it. Have them share their experiences with a partner.
• Then, ask students to think about the reasons they may have been unable to achieve their dream. Possible reasons could be lack of support, barriers to success, or lack of opportunities.
• As a class, make a list of the possible reasons on chart paper.

Direct Instruction

• Next, introduce the poem "Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes and read it aloud to the class.
• As you read, pause to point out key phrases and images that describe the narrator's dream and the obstacles he faces in achieving it.
• Ask students to make connections between their own experiences and those of the narrator.
• Then, ask students to think about the theme of the poem: the struggle to achieve a dream or ambition.

Guided Practice

• Divide the class into small groups and give each group a specific line or stanza from the poem to analyze.
• Have each group discuss their chosen line and come up with specific details and examples to support their analysis.
• Have each group present their findings to the class and share their analysis.
• As a class, create a list of defining characteristics of a dream deferred, including examples from the poem and from students' own experiences.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose a personal goal or a dream that they have been putting off or procrastinating.
• Have students write a poem about their chosen dream, including specific details and examples of why it is important to them and how it has been deferred or held back.
• Have students present their poems to the class and explain the meaning behind their words.Assessment
• Have students choose a poem from another author that they have not read in class, and that is not a poem of their own creation.
• Have students analyze the chosen poem to determine the overall theme and any specific examples of imagery, symbolism, or allusion used by the author.
• Have students write a short summary of the theme and supporting examples, and present their findings to the class.

Closure

• Review the importance of setting and achieving goals, and how dreaming can help us to reach those goals.
• Remind students that they can always reach out to their teacher or a counselor for help if they are having difficulty setting or achieving their goals.

Assessment

• Collect and grade students' written responses to the guided practice activity.
• Administer a quiz or tests to assess students' understanding of the importance of setting and achieving goals, and the poem "Dream Deferred".