Dickson, Celeste Faye

Stories to Yell

Keywords: Literacy, Community, Poetry, Performance

Abstract

This research project seeks to explore, through case-study research, how to teach and use spoken word poetry in the classroom to engage students in the literacy program. The methodology consisted of interviews with three exemplary teachers who are currently teaching (or have taught) spoken word poetry in order to investigate best practices in this field. Through careful qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts, the key findings of this research point to the importance of building a classroom community, the unique role of the guide on the side, and the potential for student empowerment.