More Than a Slam

In More Than a Slam: A Guide to Teaching Spoken Word Poetry in the Secondary Classroom, author Cait Miner Kay shares a comprehensive framework for integrating spoken word poetry into your teaching practice.
This invaluable resource goes beyond a slam competition, offering practical strategies to cultivate a brave and inspiring space where students can thrive as writers and public speakers. Inside, you'll discover a unique approach to curriculum design, complete with:

• 28 sample lessons to adopt or adapt for immediate use
• engaging writing prompts to inspire poets
• dynamic activities for stirring collaborative conversations and creativity
• direct links to over 50 powerful spoken word texts and video examples
• suggestions for coaching writing and performance
• ideas for curating showcases with students and hosting classroom or school-wide poetry slams

Whether you're new to spoken word poetry or looking for ways to enhance your current spoken word program, More Than a Slam will show you how to effectively guide your poets as they discover the power of their voices, share their stories, and build lasting connections through the art of spoken word.

Part I: Where it all Begins: Creating the Spoken Word Classroom 1. Embracing the Benefits of Teaching Spoken Word Poetry 2. Building a Spoken Word Community 3. Designing a Spoken Word Curriculum Part II: We Write Life: Exploring Spoken Word Poetry Units 4. Writing Poetry to More Deeply Know Ourselves 5. Writing Poetry to Resist Injustice 6. Writing Poetry to Tell Our Stories Part III: From Page to Stage: Producing Shows with Students 7. Coaching Writing and Performance for the Stage 8. Curating a Showcase 9. Hosting a Poetry Slam