maya angelou / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, Poppy will have a deeper understanding of Maya Angelou's life, her contributions to literature and civil rights, and the themes present in her work. Poppy will also create a personal reflection inspired by Angelou's writings.

Materials and Prep

  • Notebook or journal
  • Pencil or pen
  • Access to a quiet space for reading and writing
  • Printed or written excerpts of Maya Angelou's poetry or quotes (can be prepared in advance)

Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with a few key poems or quotes by Maya Angelou. This will help guide the discussion and activities.

Activities

  • Read and Reflect:

    Begin by reading a selected poem or excerpt from Maya Angelou. After reading, Poppy can write down her immediate thoughts and feelings about the piece. What stood out to her? Did anything surprise her?

  • Creative Expression:

    Poppy can create her own poem or a short story inspired by the themes of resilience and hope found in Angelou's work. Encourage her to use her own experiences or feelings as inspiration.

  • Discussion Time:

    Engage in a conversation about Maya Angelou's impact on society. Discuss her role as a civil rights activist and how her words can inspire change. Poppy can share her thoughts on why she believes Angelou's work is still relevant today.

  • Artistic Interpretation:

    Poppy can create a visual representation of a poem or quote she loves from Angelou. This could be a drawing, collage, or even a digital piece if she has access to technology.

Talking Points

  • "Maya Angelou was not only a poet but also a powerful voice for change. She used her words to fight for civil rights."
  • "One of her most famous quotes is, 'I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.' What do you think this means?"
  • "Angelou's work often talks about overcoming obstacles. Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it?"
  • "She wrote about her experiences as a Black woman in America. How do you think her background influenced her writing?"
  • "Maya Angelou believed in the power of words. Why do you think words can be so powerful?"
  • "Let's think about how her poem 'Still I Rise' inspires people to keep going, no matter what. What does 'rising' mean to you?"
  • "Angelou's life was filled with ups and downs. What can we learn from her ability to stay strong?"
  • "She once said, 'You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can control your attitude toward them.' How can we apply this to our own lives?"
  • "Maya Angelou wrote about love, hope, and resilience. How can these themes be important in your life?"
  • "What do you think makes Maya Angelou's writing timeless? Why do people still read her work today?"
  • "Let's brainstorm ways we can use our own voices to make a difference, just like Angelou did."
  • "Finally, how can we honor Maya Angelou's legacy in our daily lives?"