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Illustration by Edpuzzle Staff

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

– Excerpt from “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou

Why not explore this Black History Month through the lens of poetry?

If you need any convincing, consider this perspective from author Erica Jong: “Poetry is the inner life of a culture, its nervous system, its deepest way of imagining the world.”

Our Edpuzzle Original video lesson collection on poetry for Black History Month includes 13 video lessons comprised of dramatic poetry readings from a diverse group of authors.

Take a look at some examples of the lessons below and see how you can use them with your classes today.

Video #1: “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks (Poetic Sound Devices, Tone, and Rhythm)

In this English Language Arts video lesson, students will analyze the use of rhyme, alliteration, rhythm, and theme in Gwendolyn Brooks’ poem “We Real Cool.”

Video length: 7 mins. 25 secs.

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Video #2: “The Rose That Grew from Concrete” by Tupac Shakur (Symbolism, Personification)

In this lesson, students will analyze the use of symbolism and personification in Tupac Shakur's poem "The Rose That Grew from Concrete."

Video length: 6 mins. 38 secs.

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Video #3: “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman

When Amanda Gorman recited her poem at the 2021 presidential inauguration, she made poetry accessible to a whole new generation.

In this lesson, students will analyze the use of alliteration and symbolism in an excerpt from Amanda Gorman's poem "The Hill We Climb."

Video length: 8 mins. 44 secs.

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Video #4: “Harlem” by Langston Hughes

In this lesson, students will analyze the use of simile and repetition in Langston Hughes' poem “Harlem.”

Video length: 7 mins. 23 secs.

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Let us know which poems you’re incorporating into your Black History Month lesson plans and join the conversation with our teacher community on Twitter!

Explore poetry videos for Black History Month