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     MONDAY and TUESDAY   5-22, 23-23      C-Day: Exploring Slam Poetry     

        ANNOUNCEMENTS          Sh



        DO NOW          

DIRECTIONS
Read over this list of Popular Slam Poetry Ideas - Pick your top three and be ready to share with the class what you chose.


Slam Poetry Ideas

Note that these topics are not necessarily new ideas but what matters is that we can gain new perspectives from how we choose to see the world, the experiences encountered, lessons learned, progress made, and wisdom gained. Feel free to use these poetry ideas in your contexts and regard.

1. Racism

Racism is a real global issue that needs to be constantly addressed in our modern society. It’s one of those topics that touch our core as humans and how we see and perceive others.


2. Emotional health

From time to time, life throws its challenges and contrary winds, affecting people on a global scale. It would not be bad to speak out your opinions on this and offer practical guidance from your own experiences.


3. Equality vs. Equity

Not everyone is equal but can everyone be treated equally? Lend your voice to this, which can be a good slam topic to work with and organize.


4. Teenage pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is a major concern in our society today; we could safely say that addressing this issue will lead to a lot of impact on the girl child to push the limits that society has placed on them and realize their full potential human beings.


5. Human Rights

Human rights are currently and have for some time been a global issue in the world today. It is one issue to be addressed and implemented properly to ensure advancement. Slam Poetry can help champion this cause.


6. Domestic violence

Domestic violence seems to be on the increase yearly. And it has a lasting and damaging effect.


7. Child trafficking

Globally, homeless children are sold out to modern slavers for prostitution, drug trafficking and several unhealthy vices. You can help draw attention to this in your next slam poetry.


8. Drug abuse

Drug abuse haunts a lot of individuals, especially the youth. It’s something worth talking about.


9. Poverty/Homelessness

How do you choose to address this? Is it worth talking about to you? Could we raise more awareness on this? Are there lessons to learn from the lives of the homeless and poor (good or bad) that we can choose to emulate or avoid?


10. Money

Money makes the world go round is a fact of life. How you choose to shed light on this fact would help a great deal. Your audience also; Are they parents? The poor? Greedy? Each class brings about a new way of seeing this and addressing money issues in this life.


11. Freedom of speech

To be heard and to what degree varies from place to place and nation to nation and culture to culture. Hence do you think that this should be so? What are your good reasons for supporting freedom of speech? Would your perspectives apply to all peoples and cultures?


12. Gangs/Cults

It’s not uncommon for people to get mugged nowadays. All thanks to gangs and cult groups in cities, villages and sadly, schools and campuses. So, how about you feature this in your next slam poetry?


13. Protest

Protests are a sign of dissatisfaction or unrest, intending to be heard. Slam poetry is also driven towards that goal.


14. Social media

Do you see social media as a blessing or a curse? That’s entirely up to you and how you choose to use it. This thought should be on your mind when you pick this topic for your next slam poetry.


15. Fake news and the media

Fake news is becoming a real issue of the 21st Century. Mass media over digital mediums are now subject to misinformation, misrepresentation and public defamation. And also, what is worse is that it becomes even more difficult to hold someone accountable for this. The internet has made false news spread like wildfire. Proper education and enlightenment is needed to curb this menace


16. Karma

You may not agree with an afterlife cycle of judgment, but you would easily agree with me that what we do does matter in the grand scheme of things. In your next slam poetry, it won’t be so bad to let people express what karma means to them, and this would make for an interesting discussion.


17. Adulting

Most young people are troubled by this term, largely due to a lack of guidance and mentorship. This subject would be an effective slam at graduation/convocation ceremonies. Ensure that your thoughts are obtainable, full of possibilities and optimism.


18. Love

Matters of the heart are often perplexing: we know what to do but don’t do it. For example, we know to forgive, but in practical terms, it’s almost impossible. Hence revisiting such matters in themselves never gets old; it’s a major issue in people’s personal lives and is always open to new or effective ideas to navigate its vengeful waters.


19. Death

Losing a loved one to death is an entirely different experience in itself. It’s never fun, and almost something one may not recover from. How would your words act as a haven for someone in grief? Let this be the focus when working on this topic for your next slam.


20. Overcoming fears

Fear of the unknown paralyzes a whole lot of potential in us as humans. What if it was OK to do things despite whatever fears we may have? Many great achievements came about this way. What twist would you give this topic in your next slam?


LEARNING TARGETS    

I can discuss the characteristics of slam poetry with my classmates and talk about the use of strong imagery, emotional expression, and the power of the spoken word.

I can analyze and deconstruct examples of slam poems together with y classmates and explore various topics, techniques, and styles.

        MINI-LESSON          

Strong imagery, emotional expression, and the power of the spoken word.

1. Social Media - Social Media | Jamelene Devera & Morgan Todd

        a. Notice: Facial Expressions

        b.  Imagery used


2. Teen Pregnancy, LGBTQ and Racism - This Mouth, This Body, This Being, is an Act of Rebellion

        a. Notice body language

        b. Notice hand gestures that punctuate words


3.  Anxiety - Jae Nichelle - Friends With Benefits

        a.  Emotional expression

        b.  Imagery


        WORK TIME          

Activity 1: Vocal Projection and Tone

Divide into small groups.

Receive an index card with an emotion written on it(e.g., anger, joy, sadness, excitement).

In your group, take turns reading an excerpt from the slam poem titled, Sneezing Is Like Racism,  by S.C. Says, using the assigned emotion, focusing on vocal projection and tone.

After each performance, encourage each other to provide constructive feedback on the effectiveness of the speaker's projection and tone.


For the duration of this poem

I'll replace the word racism with the word sneeze.

I was 15 when I experienced sneezing for the first time.

I was meeting my girlfriend's parents

and her father looked me in my eyes

and said, "I don't want you dating my daughter."

He tried to blame it on other people's sneezing.

That he was just looking out for our safety

but that's the thing about sneezing.

Once you see it you can always tell

when someone's trying hard to hold it in.

I used to believe that sneezing

was just a thing we read about in textbooks.

It could never happen nowadays.

So it was a little jarring when someone sneezed in my face

no blessing or apology

just a shrug that said I should be so charred cedar.

So pitch black pollen. So dark brown dust.

Since that day I've watched people sneeze openly

and behind closed lips and I can assure you

no one looks appealing when they're sneezing.



Activity 2: Gestures and Body Language

Gestures and body language add emphasis and visual impact to a spoken word performance.

For this activity, stand up and practice delivering one of the short slam poems below while incorporating appropriate gestures and body language.

Experiment with different movements and postures that enhance the meaning and emotions of your poem.

Give each other feedback and suggestions to each student on their gestures and body language.

EXAMPLE: Scars/To the New Boyfriend
one if I could I would nail these hands
to the edges of stars I would sacrifice
this body to the sky hoping a
resurrected someone spiteful enough to
not care about you anymore to staple
meats of a cross guess my side with a
broken promise and I will believe all
the crippled reasons why you deserve one
more chance
three loving you was the last thing that
I felt really good at


POEM 1: Perfect
is there something wrong with you a
loose screw or two that ruins your
ability to function why are you always
so tired
your life is uninspired and small all
you do is sprawl on the couch with
outstretched limbs like a sloth in slow
motion where is your devotion to succeed
did it drift out your window with the
smoke from your weed do I have to
force-feed you discipline till you
finally concede I cook and I clean and I
don't stop till the soles of my feet
bleed but I'm fine I'm perfect be
perfect - be perfect like me
stop wearing those god-awful ripped pants and
that lipstick like a whore 

POEM 2: And the Psych Ward Says
And the psych ward says
there is no need to worry
this asylum was built to help you
and just like the straps
on the stretcher that you rolled in on, we are going to keep you safe and secured.
Notice the locked doors and all the cameras
perched in the corners like hawks. We will be watching.
But this is all for you and your well-being.
You are sick, anxious, depressed,
a danger to yourself. The state told us to hold you
for 72 hours but if you sign this paper,
we can pretend your stay here this weekend is voluntary.

Activity 3: Confidence and Stage Presence

What is the significance of confidence and stage presence in a spoken word performance?

Divide into pairs and assign one student to be the performer and the other to be the audience.

The performer picks one of the poems from above they didn't do previously and presents their slam poem to the audience, focusing on projecting confidence and maintaining eye contact.

After each performance, the audience should provide positive feedback, highlighting specific moments where the performer's stage presence was strong.

Switch roles and repeat the above.



     WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY  5-24, 25-23      A-Day: Writing Skills     


        ANNOUNCEMENTS          

1. Check your Gmail twice a day - before school and after school.




        DO NOW          


LEARNING TARGETS    

Developing Writing Skills:

Teach your students different poetic devices, such as metaphor, simile, alliteration, and repetition.

Guide them through writing exercises and prompts that encourage creativity and self-expression. Provide feedback and support during the writing process.



        MINI-LESSON          



1.  


        WORK TIME          






          ASSESSMENT          





     FRIDAY     5-26-23      B-Day: Performance Skills     

        ANNOUNCEMENTS               

Check your Gmail twice a day - before school and after school.




        DO NOW          



LEARNING TARGETS                           

1.  I can explain how vocal projection, tone, gestures, and body language are used in slam poetry.

2.  I can participate in activities and exercises to practice delivery and develop confidence in my stage presence.


      MINI-LESSON          



1.  


        WORK TIME          






          ASSESSMENT          




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