Slam Poetry- Observe, Learn Poetic Terms, Analyze (TPCASTT),Create & Perform

I love poetry, yet sometimes traditional styles of poetry don't "sell" to my students.

Slam does! Students love the examples. They love the permission to see and express emotions. Slam verges on rap in some examples, and they LOVE that too! This unit covers poetic skills such as devices and analysis without having to cajole students along.

I have seen incredible work produced by students in this unit, including the mentor text provided, with permission.

Please enjoy:

Step 1: Viewing of slam examples

• Specific Graphic organizer to rank & define slams overall
• Observation answer key

Step 2: Poetic Devices review (Overview of 17 terms)

• Deep dive into Metaphor & Simile
• Answer key
• Connotation vs. Denotation poster options
• Short task on Connotation

Step 3: 2 Mentor Text Options (sexual topic in Mentor text 1) Mentor 2 is appropriate.

• TPCASTT Terms (Analysis technique for poetry).
• Theme focus
• TPCASTT template (fully editable)
• TPCASTT answer key for mentor text 1

Step 4: Assignment Sheet (contains ground rules) & Specific rubric

• 8 Prompts for Slams
• Students write a draft slam, 2-3 pages
• Use TPCASTT to analyze & improve their own work

Step 5: Host Slam

• 1 page reflection

If you liked this unit. Consider the Memoir unit and the Rant Unit, as I have used these with similar groups with success.