Dreams Beyond Raisins

This reflective writing worksheet is designed for students in Grades 8 and 9 to connect the theme of dreams in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun to their own lives. Through five open-ended prompts, learners explore personal goals, motivations, and challenges while comparing their aspirations to those of the Younger family. The activity blends literary analysis with self-reflection, deepening understanding of how dreams shape identity, purpose, and resilience.

Learning Goals

• Text-to-Self Connections (Grades 8-9)
  Students relate the play’s themes to their own experiences and ambitions.
• Personal Reflective Writing
  Learners express thoughts clearly and thoughtfully in written responses.
• Theme Interpretation & Application
  Activities reinforce understanding of Hansberry’s message about dreams and perseverance.
• Critical Thinking & Literary Analysis
  Students analyze how characters’ dreams influence choices and outcomes.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with middle school and early high school ELA standards.
• Encourages Meaningful Reflection
  Prompts invite honest thinking while respecting diverse student experiences.
• Supports Social-Emotional Learning
  Helps students articulate goals, values, and obstacles.
• Balances Literature & Personal Insight
  Connects academic analysis with authentic student voice.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for journals, post-reading reflection, or thematic assessment.
• Printable & No-Prep
  Easy to implement in classroom or homeschool settings.

This Dreams Beyond Raisins worksheet helps students see A Raisin in the Sun as more than a play-it becomes a lens for examining their own dreams and determination. By reflecting on the Younger family’s hopes alongside their own, learners strengthen comprehension, empathy, and confidence in applying literature to real life.

This worksheet is part of our A Raisin in the Sun collection.