Poetry Out Loud - Arts in Education

“Poetry Out Loud has helped me write with voice and expression, especially in the poetry that I have written.” Kevin Ma, Washington State 2009 Poetry Out Loud Runner Up

BreAnna Jones, 2009 Poetry Out Loud State Champion reciting at the State Final. Photo by Ross Mulhausen.

Recitation and performance are major trends in poetry. There has been a resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement and the popularity of hip-hop. Poetry Out Loud builds on this momentum by inviting the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, and theater into the English class.

 

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with state arts agencies to support Poetry Out Loud, which encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. This exciting program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.

 

"You will be amazed at the growth in appreciation of poetry and in the growth in your students. Every participant is a success story. Every one grows from the experience.”

Vance Jennings, Poetry Out Loud teacher from Naches High School, Yakima County

 

Contest Structure and Prizes

Poetry Out Loud uses a pyramid structure that begins at the classroom level. Winners advance from classroom competitions to school-wide competitions, regionals and then to the state competition. One student from each state advances to the National Finals.

Washington State Poet Laureate Sam Green with BreAnna Jones, 2009 Poetry Out Loud State Champion and Kevin Ma, runner up. Photo by Ross Mulhausen.

Each winner at the state level will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. to compete for the national championship. The state winner's school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. A runner-up in each state will receive $100, with $200 for his or her school library. Additionally, a total of $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends will be awarded to the winners at the National Finals.

 

“I’ve never had as much fun as I did with Poetry Out Loud.” Sarah Gevirtzman, 2009 South Sound Regional Final winner.

 

Poetry Out Loud 2010

The Washington State Arts Commission looks forward to Poetry Out Loud's fifth year in Washington state. Registration for the 2010 Poetry Out Loud program is now closed. For information visit Poetry Out Loud 2010. You may also email poetry.out.loud@arts.wa.gov or call 360-586-1270.

 

Visit the national Poetry Out Loud website, www.poetryoutloud.org for additional resources.