Finding Your Voice

     The end of the school year for my seniors means one thing, spoken word.  Part of being able to communicate effectively is being able to use words not only in essays, but also in dialogue and debate.  Of course whenever anyone mentions spoken word, thoughts go immediately to poetry. Therefore, poetry is where we start.  Some of the best examples of excellent spoken word poets can be found on YouTube.  I particularly like poets featured on, the now defunct show, Def Jam Poetry. The students connect with these poems in a way that they don't with older, classic, poems. Throughout my lessons I have students play with words, to see how each word can be seen as a larger piece of a puzzle they have control over.  I must admit that these lessons are some of the most fun that I do all year.  The students know each other, and me, by this point and can let go a bit. The problems start when I mention that they have to recite a poem that they have written.
     Many people blame technology for the fact that students have a hard time interacting face to face. While texting, instead of calling or meeting, might be contributing to this, I believe many people, regardless of generation or age, have difficulty speaking in front of others.  I decided that instead of blaming technology, I would use it to help my students overcome their fears. This year I will attempt to create podcasts with them.
     The idea of podcasts might seem contrary to my goal of having students speak in front of others, but I believe the reason so many students have difficulty speaking in public, is that they've never really heard themselves.  They are used to hearing others, and then deciding that they aren't good enough.  The podcast process will have them recording, and rerecording themselves.  Students can listen to their tone and inflections and record again until they feel as though their piece is exactly how they want it.  This will also help English language learners, who are still trying to figure out how some basic words are said.
     Each student will have his/her poem recorded, and played for the class, but then she/he must speak to the class and discuss the writing process.  The class will have an opportunity to ask questions.  My goal is that if every student has a polished piece recorded, they will feel empowered when they present. The class will run as a writers workshop, where they can discuss the process of writing and performing their poems.
     My district has us work with Google as much as possible, therefore the challenge will be in working within the parameters available to make it happen. But I'm getting ahead of myself.  I've got to get them to write the poems first.