Classroom Rationale

My Attempt to Slam Poetry Into My Students


Poetry is one of my favorite subjects to teach. But when in the past I
have taught poetry, I usually focus on form and function rather than
concepts and feeling. After my graduate work I have so many ideas
regarding how to incorporate poetry into my classroom in new and
different ways. I currently teach high school English that is a new position
for me this year. My general focus has been on understanding and
implementing the current curriculum. However one of my assignments
was to attend a slam poetry event. My focus has changed as a result of this.
One thing all of my students have in common is that they have
something to say. Unfortunately, there don’t seem to be as many outlets for
expressing these thoughts, ideas and feelings. Spoken poetry is meant to
be shared out loud and it usually is raw, engaging and definitely has
something to say. This is perfect for my assignment.
The day following my slam poetry event, I emailed Port Veritas (a
local slam poetry organization) to see if they would come to my school.
There reply was energizing:
“In general there are three ways to do a school workshop:

1. We do a general assembly (or single class meeting). We talk a bit
about what Slam is, where it came from and how to participate.
During this we perform some pieces. This is often followed by a
mock slam in which we compete against each other and the students
judge.

Poetry Presentation L. Stein
2. Essentially the same as one. However we have the students
compete and students or teachers judge.

3. Also the same as one but without the slam. Instead we spend the
last portion of the workshop working with students on their writing
and or performance.

In the past we have done these with either a large assembly or with
each individual class throughout the day. Whatever works best for
you. Let me know your thoughts and we'll see what we can come up
with.

Thanks for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you.”

I have spoken to my principal and I am going to make it happen. We
are working on dates now for March. Up to that time I plan to read and
share Geof Hewitt’s slam poetry guide. I am also working to add young
adult appropriate slam literature in my classroom. I have been researching
Taylor Mali (a great teacher slam poet) and plan to share his poetry from
‘YouTube’ with my classes.
Many students tend to dislike poetry. I find using any hook I can to
get them to appreciate the genre is worthwhile. Sure, slam poetry might
not involve direct study of the poetry classics, but students will have an
opportunity to play with the art form, appreciate words, and compete in
front of an audience. If I can get the students jazzed up about this poetic
genre then we can move onto the more traditional writing.