Teaching Tip of the Month

This month's Teaching Tip comes from 101 Ways to Love a Book.

Hold a Poetry Slam

Poetry slams feature poets reading their work in an energetic performance, then receiving Olympic-style judging from a panel, to which an audience responds.

Individually or in groups, write a performance poem based on a book. Use exciting language and imagery. Then practice reciting your poem out loud so that it is dramatic and interesting.

When you are ready, organize a poetry slam. Assign four people to act as judges. They should have large sheets of paper and markers with which to write down scores. Individually or in groups, perform your poem. Allow the audience to cheer you on as you perform. The judges should then write down a score and hold it up on their paper. The audience should react accordingly.

The goal of a poetry slam is to celebrate language in a fun and friendly competition. Award all participants a prize in the form of a certificate or treat.

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