Life Doesn’t Frighten Me

The Poem, Life Doesn’t Frighten Me by Maya Angelou will be the basis for this family activity. You can either get the library book that has an illustrated version of the poem or find a copy of just the text online. A video version is posted below.

You may choose to read the book/poem to the family or have the family each read a section. Before you discuss the poem, describe who Maya Angelo was and the courage she had facing her rough childhood and growing up to become an American poet, author, playwright, actress, director, producer, dancer, journalist, and civil rights activist.

Process the poem with these or similar questions:

• Did you like the poem?
• Did knowing something about the author change how you viewed the poem?
• What do you think frightened her?
• Do you have similar fears?
  

Use the poem as a basis for each person to either, write their own similar poem, or modify portions of hers to reflect their thoughts. They could also choose to draw pictures of what the words bring to mind in their own life.