Slam Poetry Videos You Can Use In Your Classroom Now
Insert Powerful Voice Into Any Lesson, Class, or Teacher Training
The teaching of a poetry unit always begins the same. We talk about what is poetry, and then students will almost always give me their opinion on poetry writing as a genre. Some students love poetry. Some students immediately throw defenses up because they have notions about poetry that involve feelings, emotions, and talking about personal stuff. They aren’t wrong, but poetry is more than that perception. As teachers, we are charged with showing our students that it is okay to express feelings. It is okay to write about ourselves because it is a reflection of the safe environment we have created without our classrooms. While I have taught many different poetry assignments over the years, I have loved observing student reactions and seeing their faces when I play slam poems. It is like watching a show or attending a performance. There are tons of videos on Youtube, but this post will look at some of my favorites. Besides awesome examples you can use with kids today, I have given a few additional poems that teacher leaders could use when leading teacher training as well.
Introduction to Poetry Videos
There are tons of “Introduction to Poetry” video clips out there; however, I wanted to post a few in case you were looking for an introductory attention-getter for your next poetry unit.
TED-ED “What Makes a Poem…a Poem?”
Schmoop “What is Poetry?”
Billy Collins “On Reading Poetry Aloud”
Super Teacher Girl “Introduction to Poetry”
Interesting interactive notebook lesson teaching the basics of poetry
David Silverstein “The Pleasure of Poetic Pattern”
Example Poems to Show Students
Not all of the following slam poems are acceptable for all students. Please make sure you watch the poem or take a listen first before using it in your classroom. Personally, I have used all of the following poems in some capacity of learning, whether it is in my classroom, a poetry class in the community, or in my after-school writing club. I have denoted the grade level that I feel is most appropriate and some topics are attached. Again, not all of these slam poems will fit with every poetry lesson, but the examples all contain powerful voices.