What others say
Description
Looking for a way to get your students genuinely excited about poetry? This Slam Poetry Unit is designed to introduce middle and high school students to the power of spoken word poetry, helping them build confidence, develop voice, and understand key elements of poetry—all while preparing for a memorable classroom poetry slam.
Based on over a decade of classroom experience and dozens of student-led slams, this unit gives you everything you need to guide students from analysis to performance—with minimal prep and maximum impact.
What's inside:
- Introduction to Slam Poetry
A clear, student-friendly overview of what slam poetry is and why it matters. - Curated Video Links & Activity Ideas
Suggested links and classroom activities using dynamic slam poetry clips to help students explore spoken word styles and themes. - Student Committee Roles
Editable descriptions for organizing a student-led poetry slam. Let your students take ownership while you step back and support. - Choral Reading Assignment
A collaborative reading task to introduce and practice performance techniques in a low-stakes setting. - Performance Tips & Support
Guidance to help students grow as confident, expressive performers—even if they’re new to poetry. - Poetry Workshop Starter Materials
Scaffolds and support to help students brainstorm and draft original slam poems—even if they’re not sure where to start.
Whether you're teaching poetry analysis, launching a performance poetry unit, or looking for a creative writing activity that builds classroom community, this Poetry Slam Unit is a flexible, engaging option for grades 7–12. Perfect for National Poetry Month—or any time you want to spark a love for poetry in your students.
Find more poetry resources in this creative poetry unit.
From the Reviews:
"This resource was an end of the year hit for my students. It was the highlight of their year. The format is perfect for scaffolding their understanding of what a poetry slam looks like as most of them have never seen one."
"A great way to make poetry more engaging and meaningful for students."
"This looks like so much fun, I'm an slp and I'm always pushing into classrooms working with students and trying to make learning fun and more creative. This activity is fabulous!"
"Can't wait to use this!"
"I have been looking for a project like this and love how you broke it down."
___
Questions? I'm at betsy@nowsparkcreativity.com.
Poetry Slam: Slam Poetry Unit Activities, Elements of Poetry, Poetry Analysis
Highlights
What others say
Save even more with bundles
Description
Looking for a way to get your students genuinely excited about poetry? This Slam Poetry Unit is designed to introduce middle and high school students to the power of spoken word poetry, helping them build confidence, develop voice, and understand key elements of poetry—all while preparing for a memorable classroom poetry slam.
Based on over a decade of classroom experience and dozens of student-led slams, this unit gives you everything you need to guide students from analysis to performance—with minimal prep and maximum impact.
What's inside:
- Introduction to Slam Poetry
A clear, student-friendly overview of what slam poetry is and why it matters. - Curated Video Links & Activity Ideas
Suggested links and classroom activities using dynamic slam poetry clips to help students explore spoken word styles and themes. - Student Committee Roles
Editable descriptions for organizing a student-led poetry slam. Let your students take ownership while you step back and support. - Choral Reading Assignment
A collaborative reading task to introduce and practice performance techniques in a low-stakes setting. - Performance Tips & Support
Guidance to help students grow as confident, expressive performers—even if they’re new to poetry. - Poetry Workshop Starter Materials
Scaffolds and support to help students brainstorm and draft original slam poems—even if they’re not sure where to start.
Whether you're teaching poetry analysis, launching a performance poetry unit, or looking for a creative writing activity that builds classroom community, this Poetry Slam Unit is a flexible, engaging option for grades 7–12. Perfect for National Poetry Month—or any time you want to spark a love for poetry in your students.
Find more poetry resources in this creative poetry unit.
From the Reviews:
"This resource was an end of the year hit for my students. It was the highlight of their year. The format is perfect for scaffolding their understanding of what a poetry slam looks like as most of them have never seen one."
"A great way to make poetry more engaging and meaningful for students."
"This looks like so much fun, I'm an slp and I'm always pushing into classrooms working with students and trying to make learning fun and more creative. This activity is fabulous!"
"Can't wait to use this!"
"I have been looking for a project like this and love how you broke it down."
___
Questions? I'm at betsy@nowsparkcreativity.com.
Reviews
Thank you, Amy. I’m so glad the activities have been helpful, and I appreciate your feedback.
I'm so happy it gave your students a chance to experience poetry in such an engaging and authentic way. Thank you for your thoughtful feedback, Nanci!
Thank you, Allison. I'm pleased to hear that these activities helped to make poetry less intimidating for your students.
Thank you, Ashley. I'm so happy to hear that this resource was helpful!
Thank you, Tequila!
Thank you, Eva. I'm thrilled that this unit was helpful in your planning.
