Post-Show Classroom Activity

Invite students to engage in a journaling activity and reflect on the title of Big White Fog. 

As always, please note that some steps of the activity may be condensed, eliminated, or extended based on the needs of your classroom. 

Thinking on Title

Activity Preparation

• Supplies:
  • Writing materials, either print or digital
• Set-Up:
  • Consider any set up that may support students in focusing and writing for the duration of the activity, such as displaying a timer, playing music, or allowing students to listen to their own music on headphones.

This activity will take approximately 35 minutes.

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Learning Sequence

1. Remind students that the title of the play, Big White Fog, appears in the play about two times — first, when Les finds out that his scholarship has been revoked and Victor purchases stock in Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line; and second, when Victor tries to repeat it as he dies. Invite students to discuss the meaning of the play’s title in pairs or small groups. After a few minutes of discussion, invite a few pairs/groups to share their ideas. (~10 minutes)
2. Inform students that they will be journaling independently about two questions. Display the first question and give students five minutes to respond in writing. (~5 minutes)
   • What does Lester mean when he says, “Seems like the world ain’t nothing but a big white fog, and we can’t see no light nowhere!” 
3. Regroup the class and display the second prompt. (~1 minute)
   • What big white fog(s) surround your community? Your family? What big white fogs do you deal with personally? 
4. Tell students that they will not be required to share their answers with the class unless they choose to do so, as this prompt asks them to share personal experiences. If students are especially uncomfortable, encourage them to focus on the first part of the prompt. Give students 15 minutes to write, and encourage them to write for the entire time, not worrying about the organization of their response. (~17 minutes)
5. As time allows, invite a few students to share any responses they feel comfortable sharing with the class. Do not require students to share. (~3 minutes)

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• This activity aligns with the following standards:
  • Illinois Arts Learning Standards 
    • Anchor Standard 8: Construct meaningful interpretations of artistic work.
    • Anchor Standard 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
  • Common Core State Standards 
    • CCSS.ELA.RI1 Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
    • CCSS.ELA.W10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Posted on September 10, 2025 in Learning Guides, Productions