Lets Celebrate the Power of Words!

Guidelines and Requirements to writing and presenting

your Spoken Word Poem! Our in-class Poetry Jam will
take place on June 6th!

First, start with a cause!

Ideas to choose from (you are not limited to these topics!):
1. Write about something you wish you could do or were better at doing.
2. Write about something you love to do or something that makes you happy.
3. Write about something that angers or saddens you.
4. Write about a moment in time that you will never forget.
Requirements:
Your poem must contain the following:
1) At least 2 similes
2) At least 1 metaphor
3) At least 2 examples of personification
4) 1 allusion
5) Some sort of rhythm with the use of rhyme, repetition, alliteration, or a combination of
each.
6) Perform a passionate reading of your choice.
7) This poem may be written and performed individually or in a group of two to three
students.
8) Instruments are allowed, from guitars to rainsticks to creating raps, I encourage you to
take advantage of your musical talents to add a beat or rhythm to your poem.
9) Any appropriate props and/or costumes that go along with your poem are allowed.
10) On the day of our Poetry Slam Friday Your poem must be typed up. After you
perform it with passion and attitude, you will hand it into Ms. Schwartz.

As you are writing your poem, write down 3 words that you chose to include
in your poem.
Listen to how the words and phrases sound. Are there any that you could center your poem
around?

The 3 Main Elements of a Good Spoken Word Poem are:

1. Rhythm Even though SLAM and Spoken Word poetry are written in free verse (no
rules), they have a definite driving rhythm, but not to a regular rhythm like in limericks.
The rhythm is more closely related to the free verse rhythm that keeps the poem moving
from one line to the next.
2. Repetition SLAM poetry and Spoken Word poetry use repetition like a wheel uses a
hub and all the spokes link in the hub. SLAM poets return to the same word or phrase
multiple times within the poem to keep the reader returning time and again to the central
focus.
3. Rhyme While there is not a specific rhyme scheme, like in a limerick, the rhyme in
SLAM poetry is used to direct the readers ear toward a particular idea or theme. Rhyme
is used in delicate balance with rhythm and repetition as a tool for the poet.
Tips:
Consider how youd be speaking everything you write. Too many people think rhyming means
poetry. End-line rhymes get tired and sing-song. Dont be limited by them. Feel free to include
them if youve got more going on, but dont force things to fit them.
Also, when reading your poem aloud, vary the volume, pitch, and speed of your speech.