Introduce the event in class by explaining the concept of a poetry slam, a competition in which writers perform original poems that are not only intensely personal, but are meant to be shared with an audience. Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks and Nikki Giovanni are a few poets whose writing captures their personalities and views, but also features creative language that makes it fun to read out loud. Studying these authors can give students ideas for their own writing and show them how to participate in the tradition of poetry as entertainment.
According to middle school teacher Geri Cupery, "publicity is key" not only to gathering an audience, but also to helping students work together. Have students with artistic talents design posters and fliers and display them around the school and community. Others can create ads to read during the morning announcements or leave small pieces of paper with lines from their poems and the date and time of the event in public places such as vending machines and bathrooms. Having an audience to read to will let students know that this celebration of their poetry is important.
While many students may be eager to read their poetry for an audience, others may be less comfortable. There are two ways this can be handled. The first is to continually affirm each student in their unique voices and creativity; the more encouraged they are, the more eager to share they will become. The second strategy is to come up with a variety of roles students can serve in on the night of the program. Students not reading can take tickets, sell refreshments or greet people as they come in. The poetry night will be most successful if all students feel they have something to contribute.
Poetry slams are traditionally contests. However, because the primary purpose of this event should be to celebrate student writing, a competition may not be the best choice. Poetry night is a class effort, not an individual achievement, and competition could disrupt the positive atmosphere it should create. Alternatively, come up with superlatives for each student and have an awards ceremony and party the next day. These could include "Silliest Poem," "Best Animal Poem" or "Most Unique Language." This provides a fun way to celebrate the strengths of the class's poems and the poetry night's overall group effort.