If you’re looking for a structured way to introduce slam poetry and practice critical close reading skills in a hands-on and interactive way, this is the activity for you!
- 20 slam poems that can be viewed on YouTube. There are a variety of texts for you to choose from so that you can re-use this activity again (or swap in your own links).
- Menu prompts students to listen to the poem twice, with two rounds of questions to help them comprehend the poem and think on a deeper level. There is also a menu of writing options which you may choose to use as an extension.
- While the menu options stay the same, the text at the top of the menu changes. Within each menu, you’ll also notice that there are a variety of different options for students to think about as they are reading/viewing each text. If you want students to focus on a particular skill or question(s) at each station, simply circle or highlight on the menus for this station.
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Here’s what you’ll receive in this resource:
- Directions and Pacing Slideshow, Google Slides & PowerPoint Versions (one for use with paper plate handouts and one for use with actual paper plates) (6 Slides x Two Versions) so that you’re able to give students clear expectations for this activity and keep pace along the way. Feel free to customize directions and swap out timers for your own classroom use.
- Google Drive Dinner Menus (20 Slides) with slam poem videos embedded and ready-to-go!
- QR Code Dinner Menus (20 Pages) with QR codes for easy-access to each slam poem video.
- Regular Dinner Menu (1 Page) with just the menu prompts so that you can set up a device for viewing at each table. This works well if you have limited access to technology. You can even use these menus for a whole-class viewing of a slam poem.
- Writing Extension Menu of Options (1 Page, 1 Slide)
- Blank and Customizable Dinner Menus for Google Slides (2 Slides) so that you’re able to add your own menu options and slam poem texts for your students. Or, have students find a favorite slam poem and write about it in the pre-entered text boxes.
- Dinner Plate Handouts (6 Pages) so that you don’t have to purchase/use paper plates. Handouts accommodate space for student notes about 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 different texts.
- Product Links & Teacher Notes (4 Pages) so that you have instructions and tips for using this assignment with students at your fingertips.
- Digital “Getting Started” Guide (4 Pages) so that you’re able to swiftly make your own copy of each digital product.
★Texts are embedded in this resource. Transcripts are not provided due to copyright restrictions. Teachers will need to provide real paper plates if desired, as well as the set-up for the progressive dinner™.
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This resource is helpful for:
★ Teachers who want maximum engagement in a student-led classroom.
★ Teachers who are looking to save time with ready-made resources.
★ Teachers who love to innovate and try new things!
