1. Do Now Take Grammar Review worksheet from my desk and begin working
*You may move around/work with others if you’d like
We will have our grammar test (major assessment) on pronouns on Weds, 2/10
Review packet is due on the day of the test (minor assessment)

2. Writing/Poetry Opportunities!
“My Favorite Teacher”
Essay or thank you letter
500 words typed
Due 2/29
Prize: certificate of recognition, award ceremony at Barnes & Noble, $500 B&N gift card, a Nook
Barron Arts Center Evening With Young Writers
Submit 5 original poems by 3/11 * but let me know if you’re interested ASAP!
Mon, 4/25 at 7 pm at Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge

3. Read Maya Angelou’s “Caged Bird”
Poem from 1983
Any thoughts/reactions to the poem?
Yesterday we discussed various ways that people might feel like “caged birds.” Angelou claims to know why caged birds sing. What do you think she means by “sing?” Why would a person who feels like a caged bird have the desire to sing?

4. Activity
In small groups of 3-4, think of a way that you are trapped like a caged bird
Ideas:
Your parents are very controlling over you
Having to go to school every day/spend the evening doing homework eats up your time
You are too shy/insecure to let yourself really be “free,” you hold back from being yourself for fear of embarrassment, failure, etc.
Your image/reputation limits you, people only ever expect one thing from you (this could also relate to gender, race, religion, age, etc.)
Or come up with an idea of your own!

5. Now, it’s time to sing!
Write a song/rap (at least 16 lines / at least 30 seconds) that expresses your feelings about this situation
How are you trapped? By whom? Why?
How does it make you feel to be trapped like this?
Do you try to escape or learn to make the best of it?
What do you wish for? Where would you rather be?
You will hand in the written lyrics and perform the song for your classmates
All group members must be involved in the writing and performance somehow (singing, “keeping the beat,” etc.)
Pay attention to RHYTHM. Don’t just get up there and read a poem in your regular voice. Remember that you are writing a song.

6. Example
(To the tune of “With a Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles)
Sometimes I feel 
Like a bird in a cage
Trapped by
All the things I should do
So many days
I just want to be free 
Free from work,
Friends, and family too
Oh, I dream of some place far, far away
Oh, I could pack up and be on my way
But there’s so much I’d be leaving behind
Oh, it’s enough to make me lose my mind