Rhythm and Motion

• Objective:– To deliver a fluid and

engaging reading of your poems using movement and rhythm.

• Focusing Question: – How can you use

movement and rhythm to strengthen the performance of their poems?

Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson Summary

Mini Lesson

• Spoken word poets enhance their performance by connecting their poems to music, using rhythm and movement in their delivery to emphasize ideas. – If your poem was a song,

what kind of beat would it have? Salsa? Hip-hop? Reggae?

– What kind of movement might accompany a poem about the beach?

– What kind of movement might accompany a poem is about a basketball game?

• Examples: spoken word poets video on video: http://tinyurl.com/knickspoetry– Knicks Slam/ Timothy Medel– Slam Nation

Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson Summary

Writer’s Work Time

1. Re-read the poem you chose for performance.

2. Think about whether the performance of your poem should have a musical rhythm or lines to enhance with movement. Go to Freeplay Music to listen to or download samples of music for different moods (http://freeplaymusic.com/).

3. Re-arrange line-breaks for rhythm. Write notes at the end of lines for movement.

4. Practice reading the poem with enhancements.

5. Read your poem to a partner with the enhancements for rhythm and movement. Ask your partner to judge your performance

Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson Summary

Lesson Summary

• How can you use movement and rhythm to strengthen the performance of your poems?

• Share your performance with the class. – How did the poem’s

rhythm affect its meaning?

– What did movement add to your understanding of a poem?

Focusing Question | Mini Lesson | Writer’s Work Time | Lesson Summary