In this blog post, we'll explore how you can teach "The Little Black Boy" to various age groups—from young children to college students. We'll delve into teaching strategies, discuss the poem's rich layers, and provide resources to make your lessons both engaging and insightful.
The Poem: "The Little Black Boy" by William Blake
Before we dive into teaching methods, let's immerse ourselves in the poem itself. Reading it aloud is a powerful way to experience its rhythm and emotion.
The Little Black Boy
My mother bore me in the southern wild,
And I am black, but O! my soul is white;
White as an angel is the English child,
But I am black as if bereaved of light.
My mother taught me underneath a tree,
And sitting down before the heat of day,
She took me on her lap and kissed me,
And pointing to the East began to say:
"Look on the rising sun: there God does live,
And gives His light, and gives His heat away;
And flowers and trees and beasts and men receive
Comfort in morning, joy in the noonday."
"And we are put on earth a little space,
That we may learn to bear the beams of love;
And these black bodies and this sunburnt face
Is but a cloud, and like a shady grove."
"For when our souls have learned the heat to bear,
The cloud will vanish; we shall hear His voice,
Saying: 'Come out from the grove, my love and care,
And round my golden tent like lambs rejoice.'"
Thus did my mother say, and kissed me;
And thus I say to little English boy.
When I from black and he from white cloud free,
And round the tent of God like lambs we joy,
I'll shade him from the heat till he can bear
To lean in joy upon our Father's knee;
And then I'll stand and stroke his silver hair,
And be like him, and he will then love me
1. The Magic of Reading Aloud
There's something enchanting about the sound of poetry. Start by reading the poem aloud to your students. Encourage them to listen to the rhythm and feel the words. This approach helps young children connect with the poem emotionally.
Activity Idea: Have the children close their eyes while you read. Ask them afterward what images or feelings came to mind.
2. Conversing with the Verse
Invite the children to share their initial reactions. Ask open-ended questions like:
What did you feel when you heard the poem?
Which words or phrases stood out to you?
What do you think the poem is about?
Tip: Emphasize that there's no wrong answer. This openness encourages participation and builds confidence.
3. Exploring Imagery Through Art
Children are naturally creative. Use the vivid imagery in the poem to inspire drawings or paintings.
Activity Idea: Provide art supplies and ask the students to draw a scene from the poem or illustrate how the poem makes them feel.
Navigating Deeper Waters: Teaching Middle and High School Students
1. Introducing Narrative Voice
At this stage, students can grasp more complex concepts like the narrative voice.
Discussion Prompt: Who is speaking in the poem? Is it the little black boy, his mother, or someone else? Why do you think that?
Encourage them to cite specific lines that support their ideas. This exercise sharpens analytical skills and textual understanding.
2. Historical Context Matters
Understanding the time when Blake wrote the poem adds depth to its interpretation.
Fact to Share: "The Little Black Boy" was published in 1789, a time when slavery was still prevalent, and abolitionist movements were gaining momentum.
Activity Idea: Assign a mini-research project where students explore the historical context of the late 18th century, focusing on slavery and abolition.
3. Themes of Innocence and Experience
Blake's collection contrasts innocence with experience. Discuss with your students what these terms mean in the context of the poem.
Questions to Explore:
How does the poem portray innocence?
In what ways does experience shape the characters' perspectives?
Critical Thinking and Analysis: Engaging College Students
1. Appropriated Voices and Ethical Considerations
Delve into the complexities of a white poet writing from the perspective of a black child.
Debate Topic: Is it appropriate for William Blake to assume the voice of the little black boy? What are the implications of this choice?
This discussion can lead to broader conversations about representation and authenticity in literature.
2. Comparative Literature
Encourage students to compare "The Little Black Boy" with other works of the same era, such as "The Dying Negro" by John Bicknell.
Activity Idea: Assign essays that analyze the differing approaches to anti-slavery themes, focusing on narrative voice, audience, and impact.
3. Advanced Theoretical Frameworks
Apply literary theories like post-colonialism or critical race theory to dissect the poem's layers.
Discussion Prompt: How does the poem reflect or challenge the societal norms of its time?
Resources to Enhance Your Teaching
Visual Aids
Blake's Illustrations: Utilize William Blake's own illustrations for his poems. They provide visual context and can spark discussion about how imagery complements text.
Supplementary Texts
Anti-Slavery Poetry: Introduce poems like Phyllis Wheatley's works to offer authentic voices from black poets of the era.
Historical Documents: Use excerpts from speeches or writings by abolitionists to provide real-world connections.
Online Resources
The William Blake Archive: www.blakearchive.org offers a wealth of information, including high-quality images of his works.
Educational Websites: Sites like Poetry Foundation provide analyses and background information.
Tips for a Successful Lesson
Create a Safe Space: Ensure that discussions, especially around sensitive topics like race, are conducted respectfully.
Encourage Open-Mindedness: Remind students that literature often presents complex ideas without easy answers.
Adapt to Your Audience: Tailor your teaching methods to suit the age and maturity level of your students.
Conclusion: The Power of Poetry in Education
Teaching "The Little Black Boy" is more than a lesson in literature; it's an exploration of human experience across time and culture. Whether you're guiding a child through their first encounter with poetry or challenging a college student to think critically about societal issues, this poem offers a rich tapestry of themes and discussions.
Remember: The goal is to foster an environment where students feel connected to the material and inspired to share their thoughts. By doing so, you're not just teaching a poem—you're nurturing thinkers, artists, and empathetic individuals.
Join the Conversation!
Have you taught "The Little Black Boy" before? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let's inspire each other to bring poetry to life in our classrooms.
This blog post is part of a larger series on teaching William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience. Stay tuned for more insights and resources!
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