In collaboration with the tenth grade English teacher, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of slam poetry. Students will use the library's resources, including books and websites, to complete a worksheet that will provide the background needed for a slam poetry performance that will take place in the English classroom.

Instructional Goals:

• Students will gain sufficient knowledge to be able to organize a poetry slam in English class
• Students will appreciate the art of performance poetry.

 

Learning Objectives:  

The 10^th grade class will:

• Search the library’s books and Internet to answer specific questions on provided worksheet to gain knowledge of a poetry slam
• Establish what role they would like to take in a poetry slam

 

Motivational Goals:

• To generate an interest in slam poetry
• To motivate students to organize and perform slam poetry in their English classroom

Slam Poem to be performed with movement and a beat: “I’m standing here in the library… introducing you to a form of poetry….You may be wondering what that could be….I call it slam poetry.”

 

K-W-L Chart on whiteboard

 

Poetry Slam worksheet, books, computers

Introduction:                                      

Perform a short slam poem pertaining to the topic.

 

 

 Body:

1. Ask students what they know about poetry slams.
2. Ask students if the class were to put on a poetry slam what steps would need to be taken? What types of poetry? Location? Technology (microphone? Etc.)
3. Explain to students that their English teacher wants the class to perform a poetry slam, but before this she wants them to have background and sufficient knowledge to organize and hold one in the classroom.
4. Instruct students to find a partner with whom they can work well.

 Conclusion:

1. Go over directions on worksheet
2. Students will each complete their own worksheet, but they work with their partner to answer the questions.
3. Monitor progress by circulating around the room. Answer any questions and help out with research process as needed.
4. Go over questions with students.
5. Go back to the “L” part on the chart and ask what information they learned to help them organize a poetry slam in English class.
6. Go around the room and ask what role each student would like to play in the poetry slam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observations throughout the lesson, completed worksheets, verbal answers to what participator they would like to be in a poetry slam.

English teacher