An introduction to slam poetry
I can understand what slam poetry is and use this knowledge to explore the conventions of a slam poem.
An introduction to slam poetry
I can understand what slam poetry is and use this knowledge to explore the conventions of a slam poem.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Slam poetry can be considered different to more conventional, written forms of poetry.
- Slam poetry is created to be performed out loud and responds to audience feedback.
- Slam poetry uses poetic devices such as onomatopoeia, alliteration and repetition to engage the audience.
- Harry Baker is an example of a slam poet.
- The poem 'Where The Wild Things Are' conforms to the conventions of slam poetry.
Keywords
Convention - the established techniques, forms, and styles that poets commonly use to convey meaning and emotion
Conventional - describes something that is usual, traditional or widely accepted in a particular context
Preconceptions - ideas or opinions formed in advance about something, often based on assumptions rather than facts
Colloquial - informal language or expressions that are commonly used in everyday conversation rather than in formal writing or speech
Common misconception
Slam poetry doesn't have any rules or conventions, so anything goes. It's just speaking to an audience.
While slam poetry encourages creativity and self-expression, it does follow certain conventions, like using sound techniques, imagery and themes. These conventions help poets effectively communicate their messages and engage the audience.
To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: An introduction to slam poetry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: An introduction to slam poetry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 english lessons from the Creating and performing slam poetry unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the poem 'Where The Wild Things Are' by Harry Baker, from the 2014 Burning Eye edition of 'The Sunshine Kid' (not provided).
Licence
Lesson video
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