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Year 8 - English

Exploring Maya Angelou's 'On the Pulse of the Morning'

Single poet study: Maya Angelou

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and discover the work of Maya Angelou. They explore some of Angelou's most famous poems, such as 'Caged Bird' and 'Still I Rise', and practise writing and performing poems inspired by her work. As the unit develops, pupils find their own distinctive poetic voice.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore Maya Angelou's 'On the Pulse of the Morning', including understanding why and how it was written.

Key Notes

  • In 1993, President Bill Clinton asked Angelou to write, and perform, a poem at his inauguration.
  • Perhaps President Clinton asked Angelou because of her importance as an American poet and civil rights activist.
  • Angelou wrote on 'On the Pulse of the Morning', a poem focusing on America's past, and its future.
  • 'On the Pulse of the Morning' emphasises the idea that Americans should see each other as equals, and practice kindness.
  • Angelou followed a strict writing routine: rising early and working with minimal distractions for a full morning.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • inauguration: in politics, when a new leader and government is sworn in
  • civil rights activist: a person who advocates for social and political equality for those who have been denied equal treatment
  • renew: to make new again, to restore
  • Jim Crow laws: laws enforced by American states which separated people based on the colour of their skin (late 19th century to 1965)

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Every American president has a poem read at their inauguration.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton asked Angelou to write, and perform, a poem at his inauguration. Perhaps President Clinton asked Angelou because of her importance as an American poet and civil rights activist.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'inauguration'

in politics, when a new leader and government is sworn in.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Every American president has a poem read at their inauguration. Correction: Presidents have choice over some elements of their inauguration. President Clinton was only the second president to have a poem read at his ceremony, and he specifically asked for Angelou to write and perform it.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 English guide library.