This comprehensive KS2 educational resource explores the poem Caged Bird by Maya Angelou.
Designed to facilitate a deep understanding of the poem, this resource breaks the poem into manageable chunks for detailed study.
Use the slides to delve into the themes and literary devices used by Angelou. To reinforce learning and encourage critical thinking, the resource includes a variety of interactive activities.
Individual thinking tasks challenge them to reflect on the poem and its meaning. Partnered talk activities encourage collaborative learning, allowing students to discuss their ideas and interpretations with their peers.
For deeper reflection, solo work assignments prompt students to connect the poem’s themes with their own experiences or the wider world.
What is Caged Bird by Maya Angelou about?
Caged Bird by Maya Angelou juxtaposes the experiences of a free bird with those of a caged bird. It explores themes of freedom, oppression and the longing for liberation.
We can see the poem as a metaphor for the African American experience, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. It reflects Angelou’s broader themes of resilience and the struggle for equality and justice.
Through vivid imagery and contrasting scenes, Angelou captures the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice. The poem is a call to recognise and challenge the societal cages that restrict individuals based on race, gender or other forms of identity.
Caged Bird by Maya Angelou is celebrated for its emotive language, universal themes and Angelou’s masterful way of conveying complex messages of struggle and hope.
Ashley Booth is a Year 6 teacher and phase, maths and reading lead. He is passionate about improving reading. Visit his website.
