Caged Bird by Maya Angelou - Digital Poetry Lesson, Assignments, and Activities
Caged Bird by Maya Angelou - Digital Poetry Lesson, Assignments, and Activities: Teach Caged Bird by Maya Angelou with this comprehensive digital poetry bundle. Maya Angelou’s powerful poem uses vivid imagery to contrast a free bird and a caged bird, symbols through which she explores themes of freedom, oppression, and resilience. This resource includes a detailed Google Slides presentation to guide the lesson, a nonfiction article to provide context and elicit discussion, a digital poetry annotation exercise, analysis questions, a poetry-song comparison digital activity, and a digital one-pager symbolism assignment. Whether you’re exploring themes of social justice or the power of poetic voice, this bundle provides everything you need to engage students and deepen their understanding of this iconic poem.
Included in Caged Bird by Maya Angelou Digital Poetry Bundle:
➡️ Caged Bird Google Slides Presentation: This engaging 28-slide presentation guides students through the key elements of Caged Bird! It includes discussion questions, biographical background on Maya Angelou, historical context on the Civil Rights Movement, an in-depth exploration of the poem’s structure, tone, use of personification and symbolism, and key themes. A link to Maya Angelou reading her poem is provided, along with analysis notes and answers to discussion questions for easy classroom review.
➡️ Biography of Maya Angelou Non-Fiction Article & Discussion: Engage students with a meaningful exploration of Maya Angelou’s life and impact. After reading a biographical article, students will participate in a guided discussion using thoughtful questions included in the slideshow to deepen understanding and spark conversation.
➡️ Caged Bird Digital Annotation Assignment: A poetry annotation slide guides students’ annotation process, identifying figurative language, tone shifts, poetic structure, key symbols, and central themes.
➡️ Caged Bird Poetry Analysis Questions: This digital assignment challenges students to think critically about the poem. They will answer thought-provoking questions that require text evidence and a deeper analysis of Angelou’s use of symbolism, repetition, theme, and personification. A comprehensive answer key is included for easy review.
➡️ Caged Bird & Blackbird Comparison Discussion Cards: Invite students to explore powerful themes of freedom, oppression, and resilience through a comparative analysis of Caged Bird and the song “Blackbird” by The Beatles, as well as “BLACKBIIRD” by Beyoncé. Students will listen to both versions of the song, then break into small groups for a structured discussion using the provided prompts. Discussion cards guide students to analyze similarities in theme, symbolism, emotion, and message.
➡️ Caged Bird & Free Bird Symbolism Digital One-Pager: Students will analyze the symbolism, imagery, and emotions tied to both the caged bird and the free bird to deepen their understanding of the poem. Using the one-pager template, they will cite text evidence, make inferences, and visually organize their ideas. They will then reflect on the deeper meaning behind each image and how they contribute to the poem’s overall message.
Pair this with our poetry annotation guide:
→ How to Annotate Poetry Student Guide
© Presto Plans
➡️ Want 10 free ELA resources sent to your inbox? Click here!