Poetry holds a special place in the hearts of many educators and students alike, providing an avenue to express emotions, ideas, and creativity. Discovering a love for poetry can be a transformative experience for middle and high schoolers, opening their eyes to diverse perspectives and promoting critical thinking skills.
To introduce poetry in your classroom and engage students at this age, incorporating multimedia resources like videos can be highly effective. Here is a compilation of our favorite videos to teach poetry in middle and high schools.
1. Celebrating Poetry with Project VOICE (Sarah Kay & Phil Kaye): This video provides an engaging introduction to spoken word poetry through two masters of the art form. Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye weave together storytelling, performance, and poetry in a way that resonates deeply with teens.
2. Finding Your Voice – A First Look at Poetry: In this TEDx talk by Allen Stegeman, the speaker shares his passion for poetry and encourages students to write their own pieces by connecting with their emotions. Stegeman discusses how self-expression through poetry can be therapeutic and life-changing.
3. Langston Hughes Mini-Biography: A short documentary-style video discussing the life and creative impact of the iconic American poet Langston Hughes. The video highlights his contribution to the Harlem Renaissance, jazz poetry, and important themes in his work.
4. Crash Course Literature – Emily Dickinson: As part of the “Crash Course Literature” series by PBS Digital Studios, this episode explores 19th-century poet Emily Dickinson’s work. The informative content is presented in a fun, conversational tone that makes literary analysis engaging for students.
5. Writing Slam Poetry: Lesson with Taylor Mali: Acclaimed poet Taylor Mali provides practical advice on how to craft a slam poem in this video lesson. From tips on delivery to guidelines on structure, Mali’s expertise allows students to develop a deep understanding of the art form.
6. Kid President’s Pep Talk to Teachers and Students: Although not strictly about poetry, this video by Kid President offers a valuable message on the importance of learning, creativity, and making a positive impact on the world. It can spark inspiration and serve as an encouraging introduction to the world of poetry for students.
7. Poets.org – Multimedia Resources: The website Poets.org offers a wealth of multimedia resources related to poetry, from readings by contemporary poets to interviews featuring prominent authors discussing their work. With plenty of videos in their repertoire, you’re sure to find something suitable for your classroom context.
These videos have been curated to inspire your middle and high school students to explore poetry in their unique ways. By exposing students to diverse forms of poetic expression and inspiring examples, we can foster a love for reading, writing, and sharing poetry in the classroom and beyond.
