Poetry Slam: Figurative Language Face-Off
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use figurative language and performance techniques to create a poetry slam that captivates an audience and showcases the power of words?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does figurative language enhance poetry?
- What makes a poetry slam engaging?
- How can word choice impact the meaning and tone of a poem?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Write original poems using figurative language
- Perform poems effectively to captivate an audience
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Case of the Missing Metaphor
A local poet claims all the metaphors have vanished from the town's collective consciousness! Students act as 'Figurative Language Detectives,' analyzing strange clues (snippets of writing, odd news reports) to identify the missing metaphors and understand their impact. This kicks off their own quest to master figurative language in their poetry.Poetry Time Capsule
Students unearth a 'time capsule' filled with old poems stripped of their figurative language. They must rewrite and revitalize the poems, injecting them with fresh metaphors, similes, and personification. This exercise highlights how figurative language breathes life and meaning into poetry, setting the stage for their own original creations.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Figurative Language Scavenger Hunt
Students embark on a scavenger hunt to identify and collect examples of different types of figurative language from various sources (e.g., songs, poems, advertisements). This activity reinforces their understanding of what figurative language is and how it is used.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of figurative language examples with explanations of their meaning and effect.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDemonstrates understanding of figurative language.Poetry Draft Workshop: Figurative Language Infusion
Students draft original poems and then revise them specifically to incorporate figurative language. This activity allows them to apply their understanding of figurative language in a creative context.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA revised poem that effectively uses figurative language to convey meaning and emotion.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsWrite original poems using figurative language, Demonstrate understanding of figurative language.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioPoetry Slam Portfolio Rubric: Figurative Language Face-Off
Understanding and Use of Figurative Language
This category assesses the student's ability to identify, explain, and effectively use figurative language in their poem.Identification of Figurative Language
The extent to which the student accurately identifies and explains different types of figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, etc.).
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately identifies and explains multiple types of figurative language with sophisticated understanding and provides insightful examples from various sources.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately identifies and explains several types of figurative language and provides clear examples.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies and explains some types of figurative language, but explanations may lack clarity or accuracy. Provides limited examples.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify and explain types of figurative language. Provides insufficient or inaccurate examples.
Application of Figurative Language
The effectiveness and creativity with which the student incorporates figurative language into their original poem to enhance meaning and imagery.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses figurative language masterfully and creatively to create vivid imagery, deepen meaning, and evoke strong emotions in the poem. Choices are original and impactful.
Proficient
3 PointsUses figurative language effectively to enhance imagery and meaning in the poem. Choices are appropriate and contribute to the overall impact.
Developing
2 PointsUses some figurative language, but the application may be inconsistent or lack impact. Some choices may be less effective or feel forced.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited use of figurative language in the poem. Application is often ineffective or inappropriate, and does not significantly enhance meaning.
Poem Craft and Content
This category assesses the overall quality of the poem, including its theme, structure, word choice, and coherence.Theme and Message
The clarity, depth, and originality of the poem's central theme or message.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents a compelling and original theme or message with depth and nuance. The poem demonstrates sophisticated insight and understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a clear and well-developed theme or message. The poem demonstrates thoughtful insight.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a somewhat unclear or underdeveloped theme or message. The poem demonstrates basic insight.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to present a clear theme or message. The poem lacks focus and demonstrates minimal insight.
Word Choice and Imagery
The precision, impact, and creativity of the student's word choices and the imagery they create in the poem.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses precise and evocative language to create powerful and memorable imagery. Word choices are original and enhance the poem's overall effect.
Proficient
3 PointsUses effective language to create clear and engaging imagery. Word choices are appropriate and contribute to the poem's meaning.
Developing
2 PointsUses some descriptive language, but the imagery may be inconsistent or lack impact. Word choices are sometimes vague or cliché.
Beginning
1 PointsUses limited descriptive language, resulting in weak or unclear imagery. Word choices are often imprecise or inappropriate.
Performance and Delivery
This category assesses the student's performance skills during the poetry slam, including their voice, body language, and connection with the audience.Voice and Articulation
The clarity, projection, and expressiveness of the student's voice during the performance.
Exemplary
4 PointsSpeaks with exceptional clarity, projection, and expressiveness, captivating the audience with their voice and tone. Voice is used strategically to emphasize key moments in the poem.
Proficient
3 PointsSpeaks clearly and projects their voice effectively, engaging the audience with their delivery. Voice is used appropriately to convey the poem's meaning.
Developing
2 PointsSpeaks somewhat clearly, but projection may be inconsistent. Expressiveness is limited, and the voice does not fully convey the poem's emotion.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to speak clearly or project their voice. Delivery is monotone and lacks expressiveness, making it difficult to understand or engage with the poem.
Body Language and Stage Presence
The student's use of body language, eye contact, and movement to enhance their performance and connect with the audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses body language, eye contact, and movement purposefully and effectively to enhance their performance and create a powerful connection with the audience. Demonstrates confidence and charisma.
Proficient
3 PointsUses body language and eye contact to engage the audience and enhance their performance. Demonstrates good stage presence.
Developing
2 PointsUses some body language and eye contact, but it may be inconsistent or distracting. Stage presence is limited.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited or distracting body language and avoids eye contact. Lacks stage presence and appears uncomfortable.