Performance poetry learning activities

This resource will help you introduce and explore spoken word artists and performance poetry with young people. The resource is structured as a full-class project, but you can use the activities as stand-alone tasks. The resource is broken down into four sections: introducing spoken work; exploring spoke work; creative writing; and running a poetry slam. Activities in each secion include:

Introducing spoken word

• Introducing spoken word- speaking activity (estimated time: 30-45mins)
• Introducing spoken word- discussion activity (estimated time: 30mins)

Exploring spoken word

• Write a prose version of a poem (estimated time: 1 hour)
• Create a storyboard for a poem (estimated time: 20-30mins)
• Engaging with politics (estimated time: 10-15mins)
• Adapt the poem digitally (estimated time: 30mins- 1 hour)

Creative writing

• Creating a spoken word text- inspired by others (estimated time: 1 hour)
• Creating a spoken word text- human rights and politics (estimated time: 1-2 hours)

Running a poetry slam

• Planning a poetry slam (estimated time: 1-2 hours across multiple lessons)

Young writers of any age or experience can sign up for the digital writing group which will deliver an exciting programme of workshops outwith school hours and be delivered by poets, speakers and industry professionals, including:  Cat Hepburn; Viv Gee and Jenny Lindsay, amongst others and will be completely free of charge.  The first taster session will take place on 16th December 2020 at 6pm with award-winning writer and spoken word artist, Cat Hepburn. Contact Lauren Gilmour lauren@confab.org.uk(this will open in a new window) for more information.