Unit 2 - Lesson 4: Slam/Spoken Word Poetry
An Introduction
Craft:
For this first part of the lesson, we'll be learning about how slam poetry works and how you can write your own pieces! Slam poetry, or spoken word poetry is often performed and often focuses on the poet themselves as the speaker. We'll be watching a video put out by the YouTube channel EpicReads!
The video is linked to the right of this text.
Connect:
Now we'll be talking about what you just watched and adding on some new knowledge!
Now you know how slam poems can sound, how they work, and some tips for writing your own. But what are you going to write about?
Well, a good way to start a slam poem is to either think of a memory or think of an emotion surrounding a specific thing. The smaller the better, because you'll have an opportunity to blow it up later!
Experiment with sound and metaphor. Speed and pace. What draws you in? How do you want to sound? Everything circles back to you and the impact you want to make!
More lessons here
Create:
This is the final step in this lesson. Now you get to put what you learned into practice!
It's time for you to write your own slam poem! If you need to, look up more slam poems for inspiration, but if you're ready, try to start like how we talked about: with a memory or a strong emotion. Let the poem lead you! It can turn into a rant, or it can turn into a small speech about something. Don't be afraid of what it can be!
Then, try reading it aloud to see how it sounds! Do you feel the emotion in it? Does it feel and sound like you? And if you feel confident, share it with someone—you'll be surprised just how much of an effect a slam poem can have over you!