Amanda Gorman is an L.A. native poet and humanitarian activist. Through her works, she tries to talk about oppression from the police, racism, discrimination, and women’s rights. She graduated from Harvard University in 2020 with a cum-laude status and was named the youngest poet ever to read an inauguration poem in U.S. history.

Spark your thinking!

1.  Set up your Language Arts Mini Spark recording page: #53: Amanda Gorman

2. Watch Amanda Gorman read her poem “Talking Gets Us There”. Choose one of these question sets to thoughtfully answer on your recording page.

• Social Justice: Where do we see examples of racism? Where do we see examples of people who have “talked about it?”
• Poetry: How does Amanda Gorman use rhythm to keep readers/listeners engaged? What lines stand out and why?
• Art: How does the art/video enhance the meaning of the poem? What changes would you make to the art if you had the chance.

3. Watch this video. On your recording sheet list 5 ways that Ms. Gorman changed America.

4. Read this interview.  Choose one of the Q and A and write about your reaction.

5.  Write a rhyming poem about one of these topics: yourself, Amanda Gorman, poems,  or promoting change. Use this rhyming dictionary if you would like.

6. Share your Language Arts Mini Spark recording page with your teacher or EY Coordinator.