Beginning Slam Poetry work as part of a poetry unit
Grade level: 3-5th grade
Materials needed:
Example of slam poetry that uses refrain to help emphasize meaning.
Vocabulary words or short stories for the students to base their performances on.

SWBAT work as part of a group to present a word definition to the class.
Skill measured by students’ participation in small group setting and the short class presentation.

1.) Remind students that they have been studying poetry, and now as a class, you’ll be starting to branch into slam poetry. Today, you will attempt to use repetition or a “refrain” to help emphasize information.
2.) (Hook)
Watch John B. poem performance from youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0spacxHIja4
(Or another example of using refrain within “light” slam poetry.
This could be read by the teacher or performed by a guest.
(Make sure that the poetry is age appropriate!)
3.) Group students.
4.) Hand out **hard vocabulary words.
5.) Allow time for student creation of songs/raps/skits using a refrain.
(ideally 15-20 minutes)
6.) Have students present to the larger group in their small groups.

**Note: vocabulary words can be any words that the teacher wants the students to work with. Or, students could be given short stories or parables to present to the classroom.

Standards:
Music 3501.0625 Grades 4 and 5 Standards
B: 5. student will improvise and compose rhythms, melodies, and accompaniments using classroom instruments, voice, or both to express a specific musical idea;
OR
Theater 3501.0625 Grades 4 and 5 Standards.
C: 5 student will create a dramatic performance by interpreting and adapting the plot, characters, and language from an existing piece of literature.
AND
Language Arts Grade 5 Standards
1:A:1: student will: read unfamiliar, complex and multi-syllabic words using advanced phonetic and structural analysis.