Analysing and emulating the use of sound in slam poetry
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand how a slam poet creates sound, and use this understanding to create my own refrain and stanza.
Key learning points
- Sound is an important feature of slam poetry, it adds to the dynamic and energetic performances.
- Harry Baker uses a refrain to emphasise key ideas and engage the audience.
- In his refrain, Baker uses repetition, direct address and exclamatives.
- Baker demonstrates that onomatopeia can be effective in slam poems, but needs to be used carefully.
Keywords
Form - the specific type or category of a poem that determines its structure and style
Emulate - to imitate or match something or someone, often with the intention of achieving the same success or quality
Onomatopoeia - a word that imitates or resembles the sound it describes
Refrain - a repeated line or group of lines in a poem or song, typically at the end of a stanza
Dynamic - a lively and engaging performance, full of energy, to keep the audience interested
Common misconception
Adding "bang" or "crash" to the end of a line or stanza is an effective way to use onomatopoeia.
Although onomatopoeia might seem like an easy device to use, it still needs careful consderation and crafting to be used effectively and creatively.
Teacher tip
You may wish to share a video of Harry Baker performing a poem of his, so pupils can engage with the performance element of the slam poetry genre.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the poem 'Where The Wild Things Are' by Harry Baker, from the 2014 Burning Eye edition of 'The Sunshine Kid' (not provided).
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Is the answer true or false? Slam poetry is created to be performed in front of an audience.
Q2.Which of the following are examples of onomatopoeia?
Q3.Which answer best describes the use of rhythm in poetry?
Q4.Colloquial language can be described as ...
Q5.What role does repetition play in slam poetry?
Q6.Which word beginning with 'r' can be described as: 'a repeated line or group of lines in a poem or song, typically at the end of a stanza.'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main purpose of using sound in slam poetry?
Q2.What is a refrain in poetry?
Q3.The words 'gonna', 'wanna' and 'cool' are examples of which type of language?
Q4.The words 'clatter', 'gurgle', 'crackle' and 'clang' are examples of which poetic sound device?
Q5.Which of the following can be considered effective ways to use onomatopoeia?
Q6.Select the examples where onomatopoeia is used as the verb.
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Analysing and emulating the use of sound in slam poetry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Analysing and emulating the use of sound in slam poetry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the Creating and performing slam poetry unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.