3. New Lesson Plan

Lesson Title:  Slam Poetry

Subject:  Language Arts

Grade Level: 9^th Grade

Brief Description
Students learn about slam poetry, writing and presenting their own slam poetry with PowerPoint enhancements. 

Objectives

1. Students will analyze the components of slam poetry by watching example youtube videos. 
2. Students will write their own slam poem.
3. Students will create a PowerPoint to accompany their slam poem.
4. Students will present their slam poem to the class.  
5.  Students will watch a video recording of themselves presenting and write a reflection essay about the process.

Materials Needed

• Youtube examples of slam poetry: 
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44sXwJgqUyc&feature=related
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eYH0AFx6yI
• others optional
•  PowerPoint example of enhanced slam poetry
•  Inspiration worksheet with list of possible topics, images, and words
• PowerPoint access for students
• Video camera to record presentations

Lesson Plan 

1. Show examples of various types of slam poetry from youtube. Discuss the meanings of those poems with students.
2.  Tell students they are going to create their own slam poems and enhance them with PowerPoint visuals. Show and read a sample poem with a corresponding PowerPoint.
3. Provide students with a list of possible topics, images and words to spark their creativity. Students will have a week to work on their poems. Some class time will be provided, but students may need to finish their poem and PowerPoint at home.
4.  Ultimately, students will present their poems to the class with the help of their PowerPoint. Encourage students to be as dramatic as possible when they read their poems. Invite teachers and/or students from other classes to serve as judges for the poetry slam. Video record presentations.
5. After the poetry slam, compile the poems onto a class blog or website that can be accessed in the future. Have students watch their own video and write a reflection essay about their strengths and weaknesses, as well as what they learned or enjoyed about the project.

 Variation possibility: 

Have students work together in small groups to create poems.

Assessment

Evaluate students' poetry slam presentations for participation and successfulness of delivery as well as whether or not the PowerPoint was appealing and beneficial to their presentation. Grade reflection essays for thoughtfulness and completion.  

Standards

Montana K-12 Technology Content Standards:

3.1 Develop projects combining multiple digital tools to suit a variety of audiences and purposes

3.2 Evaluate and employ a variety of digital tools to effectively produce an original work

4.1 Apply and refine the skills needed to use communication, information and processing technologies

Montana Common Core English and Language Arts Standards: 

Writing Standards:

10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Speaking and Listening:

5. Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.