Grand Slam: Performance Poetry Engages Students

TL;DR

Global Writes pairs working poets with students in local schools, teaching them competitive performance poetry, or slam. Writing and performing poetry helps students develop confidence and expression while addressing social issues.

Transcript

Where does hope go when amazing grace becomes graceless and the only hands left to hold are sweaty and quivering in fear? Questions that come from two little boys... >>Narrator: Like Jesica, many students enter Global Writes as early as sixth grade or younger. The Bronx-based nonprofit pairs working poets with local schools. In 32 weekly sessions... Read More

Key Insights

• ✍️ Global Writes teaches slam poetry to students in sixth grade and younger, helping them develop their writing and performance skills.
• 😑 Slam poetry provides students with a release to express themselves and address social issues.
• 🧑‍🎓 Engaging in slam poetry improves attendance, academic performance, and overall confidence in students.
• 😒 The program encourages students to use poetic and literary devices to enhance the strength and impact of their writing.
• 🧑‍🎓 Through video conferences, students have the opportunity to practice performing and receive constructive criticism from their peers in different cities.
• ✊ Slam poetry enables students to realize the power of their words and how they can make a difference in the world.
• 🤔 The program helps students develop critical thinking skills and the ability to provide thoughtful critiques of their peers' work.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Global Writes empower students through slam poetry?

Global Writes empowers students by pairing them with working poets who teach them the art of competitive performance poetry. Through writing and performing slam poems, students develop confidence, express themselves, and address social issues that matter to them.

Q: How does slam poetry impact student attendance and academic performance?

Slam poetry positively impacts student attendance and academic performance. Students who participate in Global Writes actively want to be there, resulting in good attendance rates. Engaging in slam poetry also improves their academic scores and achievement.

Q: How does slam poetry help students develop their writing skills?

Slam poetry helps students develop their writing skills by encouraging them to use poetic devices and literary techniques in their poems. They learn to create meaningful and powerful writing that goes beyond simple rhyming and explores complex themes.

Q: How does slam poetry build confidence in students?

Slam poetry builds confidence in students by pushing them out of their comfort zones. Students start by reading quietly from their notebooks, but over time, they throw their notebooks down and confidently perform their poems, engaging with the audience and using performative techniques.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Global Writes is a Bronx-based nonprofit that teaches competitive performance poetry to students in sixth grade and younger.

• Working poets and classroom teachers help students develop their writing skills and performance techniques through weekly sessions and inspiration from professional slammers.

• Slam poetry offers a release for students to express themselves and address social issues while building confidence and achieving academic success.