a person who advocates for social and political equality for those who have been denied equal treatment

non-literal phrases or words which develop a writer's meaning

the tools a writer uses to create their work; repetition and figurative language are just two examples

something that is appealing and interesting because of its recognisable or special qualities

An introduction to Maya Angelou's distinctive voice: ‘Life Doesn’t Frighten Me’

English

In 'Single Poet Study: Maya Angelou', pupils study a body of work by a single poet, in order to explore what makes her style and voice unique, giving Angelou her identity as a writer. In the second  Power and Conflict Poetry unit, pupils study the identity cluster of poems, including works by Agard, Dharker and Rumens, all of which use poetic voice to explore questions about personal identity.

In 'Poetry about Place and Home', pupils use spoken word poetry to explore their relationship to the city that they live in. In 'Single Poet Study: Maya Angelou', pupils explore how spoken word poetry can be used to express personal and political views. 

In this unit, pupils read and discover the work of Maya Angelou. They explore some of Angelou's most famous poems, such as 'Caged Bird' and 'Still I Rise', and practise writing and performing poems inspired by her work. As the unit develops, pupils find their own distinctive poetic voice.

Single poet study: Maya Angelou

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

the intentional recurrence of a word or phrase

words that reveal the speaker to be confident and self-assured 

Match each method to its definition ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

What award did Angelou receive from President Barack Obama in 2011? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

Maya Angelou was a poet, but she was also a {{}} rights activist, advocating for social and political equality.

One of Maya Angelou's poems is called '{{ }} Woman' ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

In Maya Angelou's poem 'Equality', the speaker says that she stands "{{ }}" before the people who try and oppress her ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

In Maya Angelou's poem 'Phenomenal Woman', the speaker says that she has "{{ }}" in her eyes ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

What is a stanza? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

Maya Angelou was born in St Louis, Missouri. Which continent is this in? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

using the verb form to give an order e.g. stand up

comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'

comparing two things using the verb 'to be'

Match each technique to its definition. ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

Which of these are examples of commands? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

The bird didn't like being trapped in its cage.

As far I'm concerned, she's a phenomenal woman.

Her eyes burned with the fire of a thousand suns.

I will never give up; like the sun, I will always rise to fight another day.

Which of these is an example of a simile? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

My body is an ocean – powerful and strong.

Which of these are examples of metaphors? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

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