Maya Angelou Discussion Prompts & Pause Points

Before the Movie

How can people use difficult times to change their lives?  (Tap prior knowledge)

What do you think builds character and makes people stronger?  (Tap prior knowledge; Predict)

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 1:12: How did Angelou’s early struggles inspire her writing? How might this help other people experiencing the same or similar experiences? (Identify cause/effect; Make connections)

Timecode 2:02: Who is the caged bird in Angelou’s book? Why would it sing? (Identify details; Determine theme)

Timecode 3:22: How would you describe Maya Angelou’s talent? (Reflect; Identify character traits)

After the Movie

Look at the four related movies at the bottom of the page. Explain how each is connected to the Maya Angelou topic. (Make connections)

What is inspirational about Maya Angelou’s story? (Reflect) 

BrainPOP recommends reading the movie description that appears on the Maya Angelou Topic Page to your class. Then show the movie once through without pausing.  Watch it again, this time using the discussion prompts.

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.