First, fourth, and sixth periods began “Cub Pilot on the Mississippi”, an autobiographical account of Mark Twain’s first days on a riverboat. We looked at the setting (the Mississippi River) and we began reading.

Second period looked at four discussion questions about I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings:

1. Why did Angelou include the episode in chapter six?
2. Discuss the relationship between the group Angelou refers to as “powhitetrash,” African Americans, and whites.
3. Why was canning and preserving so important? Why is it less important now?
4. Do you think Momma was proud of her singing? Support it from the text.

We also discussed a few elements of the website.

Homework

• First, fourth, and sixth periods
  • Literature in Context (pg 64): answer the question in a 150-200 word essay.
  • Prepare for skit with Twain’s first meeting with Brown.
• Second period (due Thursday)
  • Read chapters 8-10
  • Vocabulary quiz (chapters 1-5)