LESSON SIX: Borrowed Poem Performance: Practice for Slam

LESSON DESCRIPTION

Students perform their borrowed poem and practice the poetry Slam placing emphasis on performance skills.

GRADE-LEVEL EXPECTATIONS

LS1         Listen for enjoyment and to evaluate own and others’ effectiveness in presentations, using provided criteria.

R1D        Read grade-level instructional text with fluency, accuracy and appropriate expressions, adjusting reading rate to type of text.

LS2         Create concise presentations... and demonstrate poise and self-control.

LESSON MATERIALS

§         Sources of literature

o        None

§         Supplies 

o        Teacher written “borrowed poem” on an overhead

o        Overhead of Slam competition class judging scoring guide

o        Students will need to have their completed “borrowed poems” and their copy of the Slam competition class judging scoring guide (created in Lesson Four and distributed during Lesson Five).

§         Handouts provided

o        None

§         Words to Know

o        evaluate

o        fluency

o        grade-level

o        reading rate

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 

Group members complete evaluations of expression, fluency and poem’s message. Teacher observes groups, making notes of overall ability and comfort-level with reading aloud/performing.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

1. Using a borrowed poem, model the preparation process necessary for a successful performance. Think aloud your plans to satisfy the criteria of the scoring guide.
   • Whisper practice the poem
   • Repeat selected parts for maximum effect
   • Try different lines with different tone, rhythm, volume and/or gestures
   • Write notes on your borrowed poem to assist you with your performance (demonstrate using your poem on the overhead).

2. Using their borrowed poem, instruct students to study the Slam scoring guide and plan to perform. Students should be encouraged to whisper practice (10-15 minutes).

3. In small groups students perform their “borrowed poem”. Group members will listen and evaluate expression, fluency, and poem’s message.

4. If class remains, students prepare for the Slam competition. Students practice with a partner for feedback.