Teacher(s)

Maya Doughan

Subject group and discipline

Language and Literature

Unit title

Spoken Word Unit

MYP year

Secondary 5

Unit duration (hrs)

15
hrs

Inquiry: Establishing the purpose of the unit

Key concept

Related concept(s)

Global context

Creativity

Style

Personal and Cultural Expression

Self Expression
Audience Imperatives
Statement of inquiry

Spoken Word offers the individual a creative outlet where one produces and performs. The importance of expressing who we are without any fear of social
repercussion is liberating for many artists. Choosing a topic that one feels passionately about and making a personal statement/commentary on set
subject allows for deep analysis and self-expression.

Inquiry questions
Factual What separates spoken word from other mediums of self-expressions?
Conceptual Why is self-expression important?
Debatable Can spoken be therapeutic to an individual?

Objectives

Summative assessment

Middle Years Programme Unit planner

Outline of summative assessment task(s) including

assessment criteria:

Criteria A: Analysing
Analyse the effects of the creators choices on
an audience

1.

Write a Spoken Word:

Criteria C

2.

Criteria B: Organizing
Organize opinions and ideas in a sustained,
coherent and logical manner

Perform a Spoken Word:

Criteria D

Criteria C: Producing text

Relationship between summative assessment task(s)

and statement of inquiry:
Students will be responsible to select a topic that they
are passionate about and produce a spoken word
poem that they will later perform. Writing will allow the
students to organize their thoughts and make proper
adjustments to the tone of their piece.
Students will perform their original spoken word
poem. This allows for students to express themselves
using different mediums, such as music, rap, props,
etc. Their performance will highlight the students
creativity and originality.

Makes stylistic choices in terms if linguistic,

literary and visual devices, demonstrating
awareness of impact on an audience
Criteria D: Using language
Write and speak in a registered style that serve
the context and intention
Approaches to learning (ATL)

Creative thinking
Media Literacy
Affective skills
Emotional management

Action: Teaching and learning through inquiry

Content

Learning process

Middle Years Programme Unit planner

Learning experiences and teaching strategies

-Watch documentary Louder then a Bomb

Watch documentary to set a tone for the unit

-Guest performance of spoken word artist

One on one access to a spoken word artist where the students can ask relevant questions

-In depth analysis of what is spoken word and how it

influences society.

Read and view different spoken word performances

-Format of spoken word

Practice writing spoken word

Practice performing a spoken word

-Performance criteria and different techniques

-EMSB wide competition, rules and regulations

Practice oral communication (voice projection, gestures)

Practice group collaboration (use of stage, use of props or music, interaction with audience)

-Watch documentary Brave New Voices

-Write a spoken word (must include three rough
drafts)

Formative assessment
Students will receive constructive feedback from their peers by peer editing their written work, as well as
critique on their performance.
Students will receive constructive feedback from their instructor in the form of written comments to highlight
any clarifications needed, as well as what they can improve within their performance.
Students will perform their spoken word in front of an audience and receive instant audience response

Differentiation
Spoken word allows students to express themselves using a variety of mediums.
Students can work collaboratively with each other in a safe environment where they will be supported.
Students can come at lunchtime to practice their performance.

Resources

Guest speaker, two documentaries, PowerPoint presentations, smart board, rhyming dictionary and laptop.

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Reflection: Considering the planning, process and impact of the inquiry

Prior to teaching the unit

During teaching

After teaching the unit

Instructor will book guest artist who will be performing

for the students
Re-watch documentaries
Revise notes and PowerPoint
Update herself on new EMSB spoken word
competition rules and regulations
Familiarize themselves with application deadlines

Middle Years Programme Unit planner