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"Discovering Theme in Literature: 'Thank You, Ma'am' by Langston Hughes"

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"Discovering Theme in Literature: 'Thank You, Ma'am' by Langston Hughes"

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Targeted Learners:

Grade: 9th

Diverse learners including:

English language learners (ELLs)

Students with learning disabilities

Visual/auditory learners

Content Area: English Language Arts

Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2 -Analyze how theme develops in a text

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1 - Participate in collaborative discussions

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Students will identify and analyze the central theme in "Thank you, Ma'am" and support their interpretation using textual evidence in both written and collaborative discussion formats.

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1. Watch the Edpuzzle video on identifying theme.

2. Read "Thank You, Ma'am". Use the audio option if needed.

3. Answer the guided questions on a Google Doc.

4. Post your analysis on the theme on the Collaboration Board.

5. Respond to at least 2 classmates by comparing/contrasting your interpretations and evidence.

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Edpuzzle Questions:

1. What is a theme in literature?

2. How can you tell the difference between a theme and a main idea?

3. What clues in a story usually help you discover the theme?

4. Why is theme important to readers?

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Theme | English For Kids | Mind Blooming

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Edpuzzle video lesson. Make any video your lesson. Take a video and crop it, add your voice or embed questions at any point.

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Click the link to read/listen to "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes

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Click the link to read/listen to "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes

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Answer the guided questions:

1. What is the main theme of "Thank You, Ma'am?"

2. What evidence from the story supports your theme?

3. How do the characters show the theme through their actions?

4. Do you think Mrs. Jones made the right decision? Why or why not?

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Stories | Thank You Ma’am by Langston Hughes - English Plus Podcast

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Listen to a very short and simple story but a genuine and profound one. Thank You Ma’am by Langston Hughes is a story that will shed light on how we all need someone to believe in us and give us a second chance.

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1. What is the central theme in "Thank You, Ma'am?"

2. What textual evidence supports your answer?

3. How does the character of Mrs. Jones reflect this theme?

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I agree with your interpretation because...

I saw the theme differently because...

One part of the story that stood out to me was...

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Yarber MTE 517 WK 2 Communication and Collaboration Tool Reflection

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Project-Based Learning

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Padlet (collaboration & feedback)

Vocaroo (easy voice recording -- no sign-in needed)

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Pairs or small groups

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Students will collaboratively analyze the central theme of "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes and connect it to real-world or personal example through a 2-3 minute podcast episode. They will post their podcast link to Padlet and leave thoughtful comments on least 2 peers' podcast.

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Formative Assessment: Google Form Checkpoint Survey

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Formative Assessment: Google Form Checkpoint Survey

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Tool: Google Forms

Type: Formative

Description:

Students will complete a brief Google Form midway through the project. The form includes:

Multiple choice questions to access theme comprehension

Short answer questions to reflect on podcast planning and collaboration progress

A Likert scale for students to rate their confidence in using evidence to support their ideas

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Tool Chosen: Google Forms

Justification: Google Forms is accessible, easy to analyze, and provides immediate feedback. It helps teachers track understanding and adjust instruction as needed (Hughes & Roblyer, 2023).

Authenticity Explanation:

This assessment is authentic because it:

Integrates self-reflection, encouraging students to evaluate their own progress

Mimics real world collaborative check-ins common in media production.

Gives insight into students' thought processes beyond correctness

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Tool: Rubric

Type: Summative

Description:

The final podcast episode will be assessed using a detailed rubric. Criteria include:

Theme and Analysis

Use of textual evidence

Organization & Clarity

Creativity & Delivery

Collaboration and Effort

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Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva

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Tool Chosen: Rubric

Justification: Rubrics clarify expectations, support transperency, and allow consistent grading across groups. They also promote metacognition and guide student learning (Andrade, 2005).

Authenticity Explanation:

This is an authentic assessment because:

It mirrors real-world multimedia analysis and production

Students are assessed on skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork

The project reflects real-life applications of ELA standards through voice and digital expression

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Andrade, H. (2005). Teaching with rubrics: The good, the bad, and the ugly. College Teaching, 53(1), 27–31. https://doi.org/10.3200/CTCH.53.1.27-31

Hughes, J. E., & Roblyer, M. D. (2023). Integrating educational technology into teaching (9th ed.). Pearson Education.