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Worksheet
Curated OER

"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" Theme of Freedom and Confinement

For Students 10th - 12th
In this "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" worksheet, students discuss the journey of the speaker in the poem. The speaker experiences times of freedom and times of confinement and consider the speaker's feelings and how the reader knows the...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

The Negro Speaks of Rivers Themes

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
In this poetry analysis worksheet, students respond to 5 discussion questions that require them to investigate the symbolism of rivers in the Langston Hughes poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers."
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Worksheet
Curated OER

The Negro Speaks of Rivers Theme of Memory and the Past

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
In this poetry analysis instructional activity, students read a paragraph regarding Langston Hughe’s use of collective voice in the poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers Theme of Memory and the Past.” Students then answer 4 discussion...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Use of Symbolism to Convey the Author's Message - The Negro Speaks of Rivers

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Young scholars identify the literary devices, symbolism, and first-person narration in the poem A Negro Speaks of Rivers. In this poem analysis lesson, students discuss African Americans and the Harlem Renaissance. Young scholars watch a...
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Unit Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh: Edsit Ement: Writing Poetry Like Pros

For Teachers 3rd - 8th Standards
By looking to examples of popular poetry in a variety of forms, students learn to analyze, appreciate, and synthesize poetry in the classroom. "Writing Poetry Like Pros" provides several links to poetry texts and suggestions for creating...
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Activity
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Modern American Poetry: Langston Hughes

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
If you are looking for biographical information on Langston Hughes and/or excerpts and reviews of his work, this site is a bonanza! The table of contents makes it easy to click to the section you want.
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Website
Academy of American Poets

Poets.org: Langston Hughes

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a biography of Langston Hughes, followed by several of his poems (some complete with audio clips) and a bibliography of his more influential works.
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Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Symbolism in "The Negro Speaks of Rivers"

For Students 9th - 10th
This video segment from A Walk Through Harlem features the poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes.
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Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: The Negro Speaks of Rivers

For Students 9th - 10th
This video segment from A Walk Through Harlem features the poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes.
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Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Rhythms in Poetry: Langston Hughes

For Students 9th - 10th
Poet laureate Langston Hughes is featured in this brief biography highlighting his vast collection of writings, particularly his poetry, which drew upon racial and self awareness in America. See "Langston Hughes Activities" for related...
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Lesson Plan
Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Langston Hughes

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This resource focuses on the works of famous African-American author, Langston Hughes.
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Unit Plan
CommonLit

Common Lit: The Negro Speaks of Rivers

For Students 7th - 8th
A learning module that begins with the poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online...