Let the Caged Bird Sing: Using Literature to Teach Developmental Psychology

Reading lists of developmental psychology courses are replete with scientific theory and research. Narrative material from literature can supplement this theory and research by elucidating psychological concepts with real-life examples, while deepening students' appreciation for the complexity and diversity of development. In several courses I have used Maya Angelou's (1969) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which is highly effective at illustrating many child development topics: development of self-concept and self-esteem, ego resilience, industry versus inferiority, effects of abuse, parenting styles, sibling and friendship relations, gender issues, cognitive development, puberty, and identity formation in adolescence. Students react very positively to the book and to a paper in which they analyze Angelou's development using theory and research from the course.