Thank You, Ma’am By: Langston Hughes

Essential Questions How do each of the character’s motivations influence the plot? Big picture question How does kindness have a positive effect on someone’s life? Thematic story question

We will make inferences and draw conclusions. Learning Objective We will make inferences and draw conclusions. We will explain how a character’s internal and external motivations influence plot.

Closing Task complete sentences responses How are Roger in Thank You Ma’am and Victor in Seventh Grade different? (Making those connections by comparing and contrasting) I know that Mrs. Jones’s  kindness will have a positive impact on Roger’s  life because... (inferencing, drawing conclusions)

About the author Name: Langston Hughes Born February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri Began writing poetry in the 8th grade where he was named the class poet Favorite past time was sitting in clubs listening to blues and jazz

About the author continued In the forty-odd years between his first book in 1926 and his death in 1967, he devoted his life to writing and lecturing His writings were based on things he heard, saw, or lived during the Harlem Renaissance era. (bitterness and triumphs of the black experience in America. He was the first African American to earn a living by writing and public speaking.

Words to Know barren frail mistrust presentable

Barren Adj - Adjective Unproductive, sterile, desolate, bleak, infertile, unfruitful, empty “…he couldn’t even say that as he turned at the foot of the barren stoop and looked up at the large woman in the door.” Point out to students that Adj., etc. is how they see it in the dictionary and their vocab study sheets

Frail Adj - Adjective Weak; fragile “He looked as if he were fourteen or fifteen, frail and willow-wild, in tennis shoes and blue jeans.”

Mistrust N – Noun or V – Verb for mistrusted distrust, doubt, suspect, be wary of, be afraid of “And he did not want to be mistrusted now.”

Presentable Adj - Adjective respectable, fit to be seen, acceptable “You might run that comb through your hair so you will look presentable.”

Other words you should know…

Suede N - Noun leather with a soft, fuzzy surface

Conflict External Internal Man vs. Man Man vs. Self Roger steals Mrs. Jones’ purse Internal Man vs. Self Roger wants to run away but doesn’t want to disappoint Mrs. Jones

Setting Place Time Harlem, New York Dark walkway Mrs. Jones’ small flat One room: bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom Time Late at night 1950’s Clues: Blue Suede shoes

Elements of A Story

Characters Mrs. Jones and Roger Out of Mrs. McBain’s head…Hmm, I wonder if even Harlem, New York could be an underlying character? I am using, connecting my prior knowledge of life in the 1950s of African Americans in Harlem. The animals, characters, or creatures that perform the action in the story.

Setting 11pm The street where Roger tried to rob Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and in her apartment

Conflict Roger tried to steal Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones’ purse but failed.

Theme You should not steal but you should ask for what you want (or work for what you want and need). Never judge a book by it’s cover.

What are some parts that you liked?

Were there any parts of the story that were unclear or raised a question?

Closing Task complete sentences responses How are Roger in Thank You Ma’am and Victor in Seventh Grade different? (compare/contrast) I know that Mrs. Jones’s  kindness will have a positive impact on Roger’s  life because... (inferencing, drawing conclusions)