Maya Angelou: Voices in Poetry
Little People, Big Dreams Series
What’s inside...
In this international bestseller from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Maya Angelou, the powerful speaker, writer, and civil rights activist. Maya Angelou spent much of her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas. After a traumatic event, she spent years as a virtual mute, but this did not stop her from developing a love for language and later becoming a renowned poet, writer, and civil rights activist. Her powerful voice and her incredible story continue to inspire generations around the world. The Little People, Big Dreams series features the lives of outstanding people from various fields. The book follows Maya Angelou's journey from her early traumatic childhood to her achievements as a singer, actress, civil rights campaigner, and one of America's most beloved writers. This inspiring biography includes extra facts about Maya's life at the back.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How does Maya Angelou use her words to express her feelings?
Why do you think it's important to share our own stories, just like Maya did?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to how Maya felt in one of her poems?
What have you learned about the power of voice and speaking out from Maya Angelou?
How can we use our voices to make a positive impact in our community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own interpretation of a poem from the book and ask your child what they think it means.
Encourage your child to express their feelings or experiences that relate to the themes discussed in the book.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to stimulate deeper thinking and understanding.
Connect the themes of the book to current events or personal family stories to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights during the conversation to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The book explores Maya Angelou's journey through her struggles and how she overcame adversity with strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face challenges in their own lives with courage and not give up easily.
Example Lesson: The power of using one's voice
Explanation: Maya Angelou's impactful poetry and spoken word highlight the importance of self-expression and speaking out.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to confidently express their thoughts and feelings, and to stand up for what they believe in.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through her writings, Maya Angelou conveys deep emotional experiences that foster empathy and understanding towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and develop deeper connections with people around them.
Example Lesson: Importance of education and literacy
Explanation: Maya Angelou's life underscores the transformative power of education and the pursuit of knowledge.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to value their education, pursue learning with enthusiasm, and appreciate the opportunities it brings.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation and awareness
Explanation: The book presents Maya Angelou’s experiences and contributions, which are deeply rooted in her cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and respect different cultures, thereby broadening their worldview and embracing diversity.