Finding my own voice: planning a poem inspired by Maya Angelou
I can plan a poem inspired by the ideas and methods in Angelou's poetry.
Finding my own voice: planning a poem inspired by Maya Angelou
I can plan a poem inspired by the ideas and methods in Angelou's poetry.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When writing a poem inspired by a particular writer, their ideas and / or methods might inspire you.
- You could use Angelou's writing routine to spark your creativity e.g. generating ideas about a particular theme.
- When selecting which methods you want to use in a poem, consider how each method will help you convey your ideas.
Keywords
Direct address - when the text speaks directly to the reader / audience, often using the pronoun 'you'
Methods - the tools a writer uses to create their work
Defiant - boldly disobedient
Common misconception
You can't plan a poem. Poems are inspired, and just flow from the heart.
Poems, just like paragraphs, can be planned. You can consider ideas and methods. Indeed, because poems are often shorter than other texts, planning each idea and method is even more important - no word can be wasted.
Equipment
You need access to 'Phenomenal Woman', 'Woman Work', 'Still I Rise', 'On Aging', 'Caged Bird', 'Equality', 'Life Doesn't Frighten Me', and 'On the Pulse of the Morning' (Penguin Random House).
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
an older speaker demands respect, not pity
a speaker reflects on America's past and future
a confident speaker explains why she is extraordinary
an extended metaphor explores the effects of segregation
speaker lists scary things but says she's not frightened
forthright speaker explains why she will overcome any adversity
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a repeated line or lines throughout a poem
orders
placing two things side by side to emphasise their differences
doing something after being filled with ideas from something/someone
boldly disobedient
extraordinary, remarkable
able to keep going despite hardship