Literary Elements in "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou

Activity Overview

Figurative language can be found in any poem, and add richness to the imagery and meaning. Angelou uses several literary elements in her poem "Caged Bird". Some of these include metaphor, personification, alliteration, and repetition. The use of these elements creates imagery and feeling for the reader. For this activity, students will choose 3 elements and create a storyboard to describe and illustrate them. Teachers may assign elements for students to identify, or allow them to choose on their own!

Copy Activity*

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Due Date:

Objective: Identify, describe, and illustrate 3 literary elements in “Caged Bird”.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
In the heading, state the type of literary element.
Illustrate each example using scenes, characters, and items.
In the description box, briefly describe the element.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 4-6

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Figurative Language

Common Core Standards

[ELA-Literacy/RL/6/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone
[ELA-Literacy/RL/5/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.

Copy Activity*

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Literary Elements Rubric

Create a storyboard that shows different literary elements from the story.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Identification of Literary Elements	All literary elements are correctly identified.	Most literary elements are correctly identified.	Few literary elements are correctly identified.
Illustration	Illustrations show attention to the details of the story and demonstrate connection to the literary elements.	Illustrations demonstrate connection to the literary elements.	Illustrations show little connection to the literary elements.
Description of Literary Elements	Descriptions clearly explain what the literary elements do to enhance the story.	Most descriptions tell what the literary elements do to enhance the story.	Descriptions are unrelated to the literary elements.
Spelling and Grammar	Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding.	Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding.	Text is very difficult to understand.