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Poetry slams can feature a broad range of voices, styles, cultural traditions, and approaches to writing and performance. The originator of performance poetry, Hedwig Gorski, credits slam poetry for carrying on the poetics of ancient oral poetry designed to grab attention in barrooms and public squares.
- What Is Slam Poetry?
- How Did Slam Poetry Start?
- Why Should I Use Slam Poetry with My Students?
- Slam Poetry Examples by Kids and Teens
- Slam Poetry Examples by Adults
- Do Poetry Slams Have Rules?
- How Do I Hold A Poetry Slam?
This spoken-word performance art seeks to bring a new life and excitement to poetry. Poets perform their poems in front of audiences at competitive events called poetry slams. They do more than just read their poem—they turn it into a high-energy performance with movement, storytelling, and other theatrical elements. Authors may perform on their ow...
In the 1960s, beat poets like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg introduced a new performance style that caught on with the younger crowd. In the 1980s, a man named Marc Kelly Smithtook that concept and brought it a new audience. He was a Chicago poet who wanted shake up the stuffy, academic image of poetry, making it more accessible to everyone. The ...
If your kids roll their eyes when you embark on a poetry unit, try including slam poetry videos or performances in your curriculum. This genre really turns student expectations upside down! Here are a few reasons you should be teaching it: 1. Slam poetry is diverse and inclusive. Poetry slams draw people of all types, and students are more likely t...
When your students tell you that only adults can write poems, prove them them wrong with these terrific examples of slam poetry by kids just like them. Some are on lighter subjects, terrific for introducing the concept to little ones. Others tackle the social injustices and political subjects that slam poetry is known for.
These slam poems include award winners and those by famous poets. The topics are often challenging and the language intense, so some of these might be best saved for teens in high school lit classes.
Though different events may set their own rules, here are some of the common guidelines of poetry slams. 1. Any style of poetry is acceptable, but the author generally must be involved in performing their own poem. 2. There’s no need to memorize your poem, though many do. Poets are welcome to use notes on paper or in digital form. 3. Poem performan...
Thinking of holding your own slam? Go for it! Just remember that not all students are comfortable performing in front of their peers. Plus, be sure to offer some guidance to the audience on constructive ways to offer their feedback. These resources can help: 1. How To Host Your Own Schoolwide Poetry Slam 2. Poetry4Kids: How To Host a Poetry Slam 3....
- “Mama” by Emi Mahmoud. “I’m not saying dating is a first world problem, but these trifling motherfuckers seem to be. The kind who’ll quote Rumi, but not know what he sacrificed for war.
- “Why are Muslims So…” by Sakila and Hawa. “No graffiti artist is going to tell me to go home. No Call of Duty player is going to threaten me. No overprotective bigot of a mother is gonna ruin my day.
- “Hair” by Elizabeth Acevedo. “They say Dominicans can do the best hair. I mean they wash, set, flatten the spring in any loc. but what they mean is we’re the best at swallowing amnesia,
- “Adrenaline Rush” by Rudy Francisco. “Once, a friend of a friend asked me. why there aren’t more black people in the X Games. and I said, ‘You don’t get it.’
slam poems and spoken word performances - YouTube. Julia is a slam poetry champion (having qualified for finals and/or semifinals in Berkeley, San Francisco, and San Jose in the past) and...
Jan 9, 2017 · Writer and star of the Broadway musical In the Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda performs "The Hamilton Mixtape" at the White House Evening of Poetry, Music, and t...
- 4 min
- 10M
- The Obama White House
Slam poetry is a form of performance poetry that combines elements of performance, writing, competition, and audience participation. It is performed at events called poetry slams. The name slam came from how the audience has the power to praise or, sometimes, destroy a poem.
Collaborate with a local music venue to host a slam poetry night featuring live music performances. Host a themed poetry slam, such as a love poetry slam or a political poetry slam. Partner with a local restaurant or café to host a poetry slam brunch or dinner event.
