M3L5

M3L5

“Caged Bird” “Caged Bird” Video Poetry 180—A Poem a Day for American High Schools

Co-Host

Lesson Questions

• Essential Question What is the power of language? 

• Focusing Question How and why does language inspire? 

• Content Framing Question Reveal: What does a deeper exploration of “Caged Bird” and its video performance reveal? 

Learning Goals

Analyze how Angelou uses figurative language, structure, and rhyme in “Caged Bird.” (RL.7.5, RL.7.7)

✓ Complete New-Read Assessment 1. 

Analyze how Angelou uses language to inspire her audience. (RL.7.4)

✓ Create a comic strip analysis of “Caged Bird” by completing Handout 6A. 

Rhyme Schema

AABB

Label the rhyme scheme

✓ New Read Assessment

We will take a New-Read Assessment focused on a poem that also uses rhyme, but that this poem’s rhyme scheme is a bit less regular, leading to a different type of impact.

Techniques in poems...

• vary speed- how fast or slow do they read.

• vary volume- how loud or quiet do they read.

• Pause- are there places they stop or pause while reading.

• emphasize particular words and phrases- do they make or explain a word/phrase in depth or show importance of words/phrases.

• use body language and facial expressions

• speak expressively- give emotions

• changing tone of voice- high pitch, low, could resemble ages

“Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZzOxWAxde0

Identify two techniques used by the performer(s). vary speed, vary volume, pause, emphasize particular words and phrases, use body language and facial expressions, and speak expressively, changing tone of voice.

“Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZzOxWAxde0

Open Ended

Identify two techniques used by the performer(s). vary speed, vary volume, pause, emphasize particular words and phrases, use body language and facial expressions, and speak expressively, changing tone of voice.

Describe an example of each technique from the video.

Open Ended

Describe an example of each technique from the video. vary speed, vary volume, pause, emphasize particular words and phrases, use body language and facial expressions, and speak expressively, changing tone of voice.

Explain the impact of each technique.

The poem alternates between describing the free bird and the caged bird. This structure emphasizes

emphasizes: give special importance or prominence to (something) in speaking or writing.

Multiple Choice

The poem alternates between describing the free bird and the caged bird. This structure emphasizes

• the contrast between being free and being confined.

• the caged bird and free bird are the same species.

In stanza 2, Angelou uses the word leaps, which is similar in meaning to the word jumps, but has different connotations. The use of the word leaps instead of jumps emphasizes that the free bird is..

Multiple Choice

In stanza 2, Angelou uses the word leaps, which is similar in meaning to the word jumps, but has different connotations. The use of the word leaps instead of jumps emphasizes that the free bird is

• just like any animal.

• spirited and powerful.

In stanza 2, the only rhyming words are rage and cage. The rhyme between these words emphasizes

Multiple Choice

In stanza 2, the only rhyming words are rage and cage. The rhyme between these words emphasizes

• the anger that can accompany a lack of freedom.

• the sadness that can accompany a lack of freedom.

Stanzas 2 and 5 describe the caged bird: “his wings are clipped and / his feet are tied / so he opens his throat to sing.” This shows that

Multiple Choice

Stanzas 2 and 5 describe the caged bird: “his wings are clipped and / his feet are tied / so he opens his throat to sing.” This shows that

• the bird’s body is imprisoned, but he refuses to stop expressing himself.

• the bird is imprisoned, but he is well-groomed and cared for.

What does the word trill most likely mean, based on its context in stanza 3?

Multiple Choice

What does the word trill most likely mean, based on its context in stanza 3?

• a peaceful song sung by a bird or insect

• a trembling or quivering sound made by a bird or insect

Based on the context in stanza 5, “the grave of dreams” can be read as a figure of speech that shows the caged bird

Multiple Choice

Based on the context in stanza 5, “the grave of dreams” can be read as a figure of speech that shows the caged bird

• works to achieve a range of goals.

• has had to suppress many ambitions.

The content of stanza 3 is repeated in stanza 6. This repetition reveals that the bird

Multiple Choice

The content of stanza 3 is repeated in stanza 6. This repetition reveals that the bird

• has never known freedom, but understands what it is and hopes for it.

• is now content, understanding that life in the cage is safer.

The caged bird can be interpreted as a metaphor expressing the importance of

Multiple Choice

The caged bird can be interpreted as a metaphor expressing the importance of

• protecting birds.

• freedom for all.

Comic Strip

• Sketch.io

• Create an illustration about something that inspires you from our poems we have read so far.

• Use words, phrases, colors, images, and parts from the poems.

• Make the connection of inspiration from the poems.

• B, Dreams, The Dream Keeper, and Caged Bird.