1. Spoken Word Poetry
Ms. Dombrow Eng. 9C

2. Definitions
Free Verse: An open form of poetry that does not use a specific rhyme or meter.
Spoken Word: Performance-based poetry that focuses on body movement, word play, and storytelling.
Social Injustice: Unfair treatment put upon a specific person or group of people due to their attributes and/or place in society.

3. Free-Write Write freely for the next 15 minutes
What are some social injustices or hardships you face in your life?
What are some social injustices or hardships youth in America face? Think about all different races, sexualities, genders, and social classes.

4. Andrea Gibson: "Letter to a Playground Bully from Andrea (age 8)"
What message is the poet trying to portray through their words and performance?
Give specific examples to prove your answer.

5. Clementine von Radics: "For Teenage Girls"
What message is the poet trying to portray through their words and performance?
Give specific examples to prove your answer

6. “Spelling Absent Father (The world needs a father)”
What message is the poet trying to portray through their words and performance?
Give specific examples to prove your answer

7. Taylor Mali: “Speak with Conviction”
What message is the poet trying to portray through their words and performance?
Give specific examples to prove your answer

8. BNV: “Somewhere in America”
What message are the poets trying to portray through their words and performance?
Give specific examples to prove your answer

9. Jesse Parent: "To the Boys Who May One Day Date My Daughter"
What message is the poet trying to portray through their words and performance?
Give specific examples to prove your answer

10. Your Spoken Word
Using the themes we have discussed or difficulties you have encountered write an expressive poem, a rap, or letter that can be performed.
Your poem should address a social injustice you or the youth of America face
It should be at least one page long
It should include at least three poetic devices
Choose 3-5 lines you are the most proud of

11. Reflection Questions What mode did you choose and why?
How would you describe your writing process like? (For example, did you ever change your mind while writing? Did it come easy to you? Did you censor yourself? Did you ever feel uncomfortable trying to write poetry? Etc.?)
What content did you chose to write about and why?
Who is the audience of your poetry?
Did you think about the act of performance during your writing? Explain.
What 3-5 lines did you choose to highlight? Why?