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When I Say Poetry You Say Rocks: An Introduction to Spoken Word Poetry Writing

We will create an I Am poem by listing our triggers and glimmers and incorporate experimental language play by combining adjectives and concrete nouns to create authentic language that illicit alliteration and personification. We will use improvisation to create a space of listening and ensemble support. We will create 2 and 3 word poems and explore narrative structure and culminate with an open mic so we can snap it up for our poets as we take the stage and channel our powerful selves.

Grade level: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
Maximum attendees: 24
Program Outline:

5 minute In a circle, we will pass a sound wave (i.e. whoosh, pow, whoa)
5 minute We will pair and mirror
5 minutes We will look at our image sheets and create 2 word poems
5 minutes We will create 3 word poems with a title
5 minutes We will pair a concrete noun with an abstract noun (i.e. I am the ship of love)
5 minutes we will read Joy Harjo’s poem “I Am a Prayer” and find lines that we are drawn to
7 minutes We will write our own I Am poem
3 minutes We will read what we wrote to our partner pair
15 min Open mic
5 minute Reflection survey
TOTAL TIME: 60 minutes (can be modified)

Date Options:
Date will be scheduled directly with teacher
Time Options: Time will be scheduled directly with teacher
Program Type:
  • In-Person School Visit
Discipline:
  • Literary Arts (Writing/Poetry/Spoken Word)
Additional Languages: Templates are available in Spanish
Accessibility Measures:
  • Adjustable volume, Large font print, Non-English resources/interpretation