What is a Slam? How do you organize one? How is it beneficial? Marvin DeBose, MLS

Poetry -A verbal composition designed to convey experiences, ideas, or emotions in a vivid and imaginative way, characterized by the use of language chosen for its sound and suggestive power. Hip Hop -the popular subculture of urban teenagers.

What is a Poetry Slam? Slam is a contest where poets recite their poems in front of judges. The emphasis of the Slam is to get the poet to write and perform original material.

Why Slams are good for Teens Poetry is a language that teenagers can use to convey their thoughts about important matters in their lives. Poetry Slams provide an acceptable outlet for their expression Slams are designed to create an appreciation for literary form.

History of Poetry Slams Poetry Slams are a relatively new phenomenon in the United States. They emerged out of a Chicago Jazz Club in the mid- 1980s. Marc Kelly Smith started the concept of a Slam. Poetry Slam has made its way into mainstream America, attracting diverse crowds and avid followers. A poetry slam, by definition, is a live competition in which poets perform original poetry and are judged. The focus of poetry slam is not the written word; rather, it is a celebration of the art of oral interpretation.

Planning a Slam Find a Venue Prizes Donations Generate Interest Find judges Find an M.C./ Host

Running a Slam Have contestants arrive 30 minutes before start time. They must have a picture I.D. to register. Each contestant will receive a name tag with a number Each contestant has 3 minutes to recite their poem.

Each contestant will be awarded a score by the judges ranging from 1-5 in five different categories (Physical Presence, Articulation, Difficulty & Understanding) The 2 top scorers will be invited back for the final round. After the final round the winners are awarded prizes. (With teenagers I usually give away 1 st,2 nd and 3 rd Prizes.)

Poetry Slam Score Sheet Poetry Slam WeakAverageGoodExcellent Outstanding Physical Presence Articulation12345 Level of Difficulty Evidence of Understand Total Score Names of Poet: Title of Poem:

Teen Poetry Slam Rules The poetry slam is solo event. The poem must be the poets own work. Performers must from age 1318 years of age. PG-13 All contestants must be present to receive a prize.

Some helpful hints 4 The Poets ! Practice in front of an audience. Time the piece to 3 minutes. Be sure to project your voice. Smile, relax, and have fun. Give your Poem a name. Memorize your poem! Take the competition seriously.

Poetry in Urban Motion! Tupac Shakur -The Rose the grew from concrete Shakur, T. (1999). The rose that grew from concrete. MTV Books. Jill Scott – The Moments, the Minutes,the Hours: The Poetry Of Jill Scott Scott, J. (2008). The moments, the minutes, the hours: the poetry of Jill Scott. (1st ed.). St. Martin's Griffin Alicia Keys – Tears for Water: Songbook of Poem and Lyrics Keys, A. (2005). Tears for water: Songbook of poem and lyrics. Berkley Trade.

Web Resources Slampapi Poetry Slam, Inc Youth Speaks. Slamnation

Resources Hewitt, G. (2005). Hewitt's guide to slam poetry & poetry slam. Shoreham, Vt: Discover Writing Press. Smith, M. K., & Kraynak, J. (2009). Stage a poetry slam. Sourcebooks MediaFusion. Sitomer, A., & Cirelli, M. (2004). Hip hop poetry and the classics. Milk Mug Press. Eleveld, M. (2003). The spoken word revolution. Naperville,IL: Sourcebooks Media Fusion.

The Rose that Grew From Concrete Did you hear about that rose that grew from the crack in the concrete? Proving nature's law is wrong it learn to walk without having feet. Funny it sees, but by keeping its dream, it learned to breathe fresh air. Long live the rose that grew from concrete when no one else ever cared.