Poetry Out Loud
Program Overview
Recitation and performance are major new trends in poetry. There has been a recent resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement and the immense popularity of hip-hop music among our youth. Poetry Out Loud builds on this momentum by inviting the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, and theater into the English class. The National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation have partnered with the State Arts Agencies to support the expansion of Poetry Out Loud, which encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. This exciting new program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.
Contest Structure and Awards
Poetry Out Loud uses a pyramid structure
that begins at the classroom level. Winners advance to the school-wide competition, then to the state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals.
Each winner at the state level will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, to compete for the national championship. The state winner's school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. A runner-up in each state will receive $100, with $200 for his or her school library. Additionally, a total of $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends will be awarded to the winners at the National Finals.
Program Materials and Schedule
Poetry Out Loud curriculum materials include print and online poetry anthologies, a teacher's guide to help instructors teach recitation and performance, an audio CD featuring distinguished actors and writers, promotional and media guides, and a comprehensive website, www.poetryoutloud.org. Curriculum materials are available for download on the Poetry Out Loud website, which can be used by schools and homeschool organizations not involved in the official contest.
Poetry Out Loud classroom kits and teachers' guides will be available in August. For more information or to receive classroom kits, contact Paul Faria, 207/287-2790; paul.faria@maine.gov 877/887-3878 TTY/NexTalk; 207/287-2725 Fax.
National Endowment for the Arts
1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washinghton, DC 20506
www.arts.gov |
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Poetry Foundation
1030 North Clark Street, Suite 420
Chicago, IL 60610-5412
www.poetryfoundation.org |
