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Paired Texts > Dreams

by Langston Hughes

1941

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

Poetry Means the World to Me

Poetry Means the World to Me

Tony Medina

In Tony Medina's poem "Poetry Means the World to Me," Medina speaks from Langston Hughes' point of view to explore his love for poetry.

Pair “Poetry Means the World to Me” with “Dreams” to provide students with a poem about Langston Hughes. Ask students to discuss how the speaker describes Hughes’ use of poetry in “Poetry Means the World to Me.” How do students see this reflected in Hughes’ poem, “Dreams”?

4th Grade Poem
Dancing Toward Dreams

Dancing Toward Dreams

Sara Matson

In the information text "Dancing Toward Dreams," Sara Matson tells the life story of Misty Copeland, a successful ballerina who refused to give up.   

Pair “Dancing Towards Dreams” with “Dreams” and ask students to discuss how both texts explore the importance of dreams. Ask students to discuss Misty Copeland’s journey toward fulfilling her dreams. Do students think that Copeland “held fast” to her dreams? If so, in what ways?

4th Grade Non-Fiction 810L
Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push

Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push

Walter Dean Myers

In Walter Dean Myers' short story "Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push," a boy must change his approach to basketball when he loses the ability to walk.

Pair “Sometimes a Dream Needs a Push” with “Dreams” and ask students to discuss how Chris holds on to his dream. What events make it difficult for Chris to fulfill his dream? What do students think Langston Hughes would say about dreams that are difficult to achieve?

5th Grade Short Story 720L
Sueños

Sueños

Langston Hughes

This text is available in both English and Spanish. Click here to view this text in the other language.

5th Grade Poem
Drum Dream Girl

Drum Dream Girl

Margarita Engle

In "Drum Dream Girl," a young girl dreams of playing drums in a society that only allows boys to play the drums.

Pair “Dreams” with “Drum Dream Girl” and ask students to compare the messages about dreams in each poem. How does the speaker in “Drum Dream Girl” illustrate the message of “Dreams”? Why is it important to not give up on your dreams? What happens to life when dreams are ignored? What do you think the speaker’s life in “Drum Dream Girl” would have been like if she did not go after her dreams?

6th Grade Poem
Her sweet Weight on my Heart a Night

Her sweet Weight on my Heart a Night

Emily Dickinson

In Emily Dickinson's poem "Her sweet Weight on my Heart a Night," a speaker reflects on a dream.

Pair “Dreams” with “Her sweet Weight on my Heart a Night” and ask students to discuss the similar themes present in each poem. How are the depictions of dreams in both poems similar? Are there any distinctions? How are the speakers impacted by the absence of their lovers?

11th Grade Poem
Gay Rights Movement

Gay Rights Movement

Britannica Kids

In "Gay Rights Movement," Britannica Kids shares about the history of the LGBT community's fight for equal rights.

Pair “Dreams” with “Gay Rights Movement” and have students think about how both texts discuss the importance of believing in something enough to make it happen. According to the speaker in “Dreams,” what happens to our desires if we ignore them? How does this message connect to the work of the gay rights activists in “Gay Rights Movement”? As an extension activity, have students craft their own poems about a dream about equality they have for their future by emulating Langston Hughes’ writing in “Dreams.”

6th Grade Informational Text 930L