Poetry Out Loud seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry - recitation and performance. The program builds on the resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement and the immense popularity of rap music among youth. Poetry Out Loud invites the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, and theater into the English class. Through Poetry Out Loud , students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.
Last year eight Missouri schools participated in the program which was piloted in all 50 states. Missouri State Champion, Aislinn Lowry of Jefferson City High School, proceeded to Washington D.C. where she placed fourth nationally. This year the program will expand to include 70 high schools in Missouri. Classroom teachers may begin working with their students as soon as they are ready.
Starting in January 2007, schools are invited to participate in classroom and school-wide contests. In late February each school’s champion will advance to one of seven regional competitions taking place in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Hannibal, Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis, and Springfield. On March 13, the Regional winners will travel to Jefferson City to compete for the title of Missouri State Champion. At the state competition, the first place school will receive $500 for the purchase of poetry books for their school’s library. Similarly, the second place school will receive $200 to purchase poetry books for their school’s library.
The Missouri Champion will receive an all-expense-paid trip (with two parents or other chaperones) to Washington, D. C. for the national finals taking place on April 30 and May 1, 2007. At the national finals, winners will receive $50,000 total in scholarships and school stipends, with a $20,000 college scholarship for the Poetry Out Loud National Champion.
Poetry Out Loud satisfies both Missouri Show-Me Standards and NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) English Language Arts Standards. In addition to memorizing and performing great poems, students will have the opportunity to discuss poems and to write poetry of their own. Optional lesson plans, as well as all other elements needed to implement the program, are available to any school requesting the teacher’s packet. Teacher’s may request materials by sending their name, school, and mailing address to: virginia.sanders@ded.mo.gov.
The schedule and curriculum for Poetry Out Loud have been intentionally designed to fit into a teacher’s busy schedule without much disruption. The program takes place over two to three weeks, according to each teacher’s interest and schedule, and will not require full class periods during that time. Teachers or speech coaches may choose to run the contest as an after-school program. Visit www.poetryoutloud.org to learn more about the program.
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