How about a Poetry Slam

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How about a Poetry Slam
By MaryMac

In the style of Beatniks and coffee houses in the fifties. I used to do this with my fifth graders. I would dim the lights, put a floor lamp and a stool in the front of the room and have the reader sit there. They could read
a poem found in a book or recite one they had written themselves. I also had them explain at the beginning, why they choose their poems, or what inspired them to write it. I'll never forget one little boy who said that he had chosen his poem because,"Sometimes my momma cries because she is lonely." At the end of the poem the kids would snap their fingers instead of clapping. They loved

it! Once it really got going we invited others to come in and share their favorite poems, the Principal, the secretary, parents. It was a lot of fun. I have a really terrific class this year so I think I will do it again this year.