I am Maya Angelou
From Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum · 2021
23 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thReading & Writing (ELA)Social StudiesSocial-Emotional Learning
Summary
Yadina is afraid to perform in front of an audience, so she and her friends meet a young Maya Angelou, who overcame hardship by falling in love with words and poetry. The episode (which also features Frederick Douglass) celebrates writing and speaking as superpowers that can change hearts.
Viewer safety
All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Maya Angelou found her voice through reading and writing poetry.
- Why was Maya Angelou afraid to speak for a period of her life?
- How did books and poetry help her become brave again?
- What is something you love to do that helps you feel better when things are hard?
- Why do you think stories and poems can be so powerful?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: poet, courage, expression, verse, inspire.
Try it: Write a short poem (4–6 lines) about something that makes you feel brave or happy. It doesn't need to rhyme!