Langston Hughes   Langston Hughes

 

  Born, February 1, 1902

 

  

 

 

The Dream Keeper

 

Bring me all of your dreams,

You dreamers,

Bring me all of your

Heart melodies

That I may wrap them

In a blue cloud-cloth

Away from the too-rough fingers

Of the world.

 

MCj03986010000[1]MCj03985710000[1]Happy 106th Birthday,
Langston Hughes!!

106 years ago, Langston Hughes was born this week on February 1st in Joplin, Missouri. (Map it!)

This week we will celebrate the birthday of one of America’s greatest poets by giving him gifts of words!

Here’s the assignment:

In your small group you must create a gift for Langston Hughes that interprets his words or uses your own words to describe him. This will be presented at our birthday party for Mr. Hughes. Your presentation needs to take three minutes or less so we have time for everyone to have a turn.

Here are some ideas:

·         Choose a favorite poem by Langston Hughes. Prepare a dramatic reading of it, dividing it into parts and using sounds or music as a background. Try to use sounds that capture the feeling of the poem.

·         Choose a favorite poem and present it with movement that makes the poem’s meaning clear. Listen carefully to the rhythms in the words and use them to move in gestures or choreography.

·         Create illustrated cards (big) that give words to Langston Hughes that describe him or that give words to Langston Hughes that he loves to use in his poems. Use colors and images to take the words off the page!

·         Compose a poem about Langston Hughes. Try to do it in a way he would appreciate. Think about what he did with words and with his life. Present it as a choral reading (everyone involved) and/or with background sound or music.

 or . . . Think up YOUR OWN idea, get an OK from your teacher, and DO IT!