Help me give my students a class set of the novel I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings for a Novel/ Literature Circle Extravaganza.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Scanlon's classroom raised $399
This project is fully funded
My Project
Our middle school students will embark on a transformative journey through Maya Angelou’s memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, as part of a literature circle unit designed to amplify voices that reflect racial justice and representation. This profound text provides a lens into the early life of one of the most celebrated African American writers in history, opening up discussions around racism, identity, resilience, and the power of self-expression.
Students will work in small literature circles to dive into Angelou’s experiences, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness-They will connect the historical context of segregation and racial inequality to today’s issues, drawing meaningful parallels between the past and present-Through guided discussions and reflective writing, students will not only engage with the text but with each other’s diverse perspectives.
Our three main goals for this book are:
To deepen students’ understanding of racial justice and the lasting impact of systemic oppression.
To empower students to find their voices by examining Angelou’s journey of overcoming adversity.
To encourage collaborative dialogue in literature circles that build confidence, communication skills, and critical literacy.
Reading this memoir offers immense benefits: students will see the importance of representation in literature, develop empathy for experiences different from their own, and gain a greater appreciation for the strength found in vulnerability and truth-telling. This grant will allow our students to not just read a book, but to feel seen, heard, and inspired.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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