Activity Overview
Figurative language can be found in any poem, and add richness to the imagery and meaning. Angelou uses several literary elements in her poem "Caged Bird". Some of these include metaphor, personification, alliteration, and repetition. The use of these elements creates imagery and feeling for the reader. For this activity, students will choose 3 elements and create a storyboard to describe and illustrate them. Teachers may assign elements for students to identify, or allow them to choose on their own!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Identify, describe, and illustrate 3 literary elements in “Caged Bird”.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the heading, state the type of literary element.
- Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
- In the description box, briefly describe the element.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Literary Elements | All literary elements are correctly identified. | Most literary elements are correctly identified. | Few literary elements are correctly identified. |
| Illustration | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements. |
| Description of Literary Elements | Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Figurative language can be found in any poem, and add richness to the imagery and meaning. Angelou uses several literary elements in her poem "Caged Bird". Some of these include metaphor, personification, alliteration, and repetition. The use of these elements creates imagery and feeling for the reader. For this activity, students will choose 3 elements and create a storyboard to describe and illustrate them. Teachers may assign elements for students to identify, or allow them to choose on their own!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Identify, describe, and illustrate 3 literary elements in “Caged Bird”.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the heading, state the type of literary element.
- Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
- In the description box, briefly describe the element.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Literary Elements | All literary elements are correctly identified. | Most literary elements are correctly identified. | Few literary elements are correctly identified. |
| Illustration | Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements. | Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements. |
| Description of Literary Elements | Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story. | Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Literary Elements in "Caged Bird"
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Figurative Language in 'Caged Bird'
Engage your students by holding a guided class discussion about the figurative language in Maya Angelou's 'Caged Bird'. This approach helps deepen understanding and encourages all learners to share their ideas.
Prepare key poem excerpts with figurative language
Choose 2-3 short passages from 'Caged Bird' that contain clear examples of metaphors, personification, or alliteration. Print or project them for students to reference. This helps focus discussion and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Pose open-ended questions to spark student thinking
Ask questions like "What do you notice about the language used here?" or "How does this metaphor help you imagine the bird's feelings?". Open questions invite a variety of student responses and deepen analysis.
Encourage students to share personal interpretations
Invite students to explain what the literary elements mean to them or connect the imagery to their own experiences. This personalizes the discussion and supports diverse perspectives.
Summarize key takeaways as a group
Together, list the main ideas discussed about figurative language in 'Caged Bird'. Write them on the board or a digital document so every student can review and reflect after the discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Elements in \"Caged Bird\"
What are the main literary elements used in Maya Angelou's 'Caged Bird'?
Maya Angelou's 'Caged Bird' uses literary elements like metaphor, personification, alliteration, and repetition to create imagery and convey emotion. These devices help students understand the deeper meaning of the poem.
How can students identify and illustrate literary elements in 'Caged Bird'?
Students can identify literary elements by reading the poem and looking for figurative language. To illustrate, they can draw scenes or characters that represent each element and write a brief description explaining its use in the poem.
What is the best way to teach figurative language using 'Caged Bird' in grades 4-6?
The best way is to have students select or be assigned three literary elements from the poem, create storyboards illustrating each one, and discuss how these elements enhance the poem's meaning and mood.
Why does Angelou use metaphor and personification in 'Caged Bird'?
Angelou uses metaphor and personification to give deeper emotional impact and to help readers connect with the bird's experience, making abstract ideas about freedom and oppression more vivid and relatable.
Can you give examples of figurative language from 'Caged Bird' for classroom use?
Yes. For example, the line "the caged bird sings of freedom" is a metaphor, and "his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream" shows personification. These examples help students spot and discuss figurative language.
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