Poetry Out Loud information and resources for high school teachers and administrators

Poetry Out Loud (POL), a national poetry recitation program for students in grades 9-12, benefits students, teachers, and brings the dynamic element of spoken word into the classroom. The Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) manages our state's branch of the program, and we invite your high school to participate!

Whether you are a returning teacher, or considering having your students participate for the first time this year, we've gathered up some materials that we hope will help you understand the program and have a successful year. The school registration deadline is November 17; registration links are at the bottom of this email.

Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall has served as a Poetry Out Loud judge for the last two years.  Photo by Jesse Gardner.
What does our State Poet Laureate say about Poetry Out Loud?

In an open letter to Washington State school principals, department heads, teachers, Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall made a strong case for Poetry Out Loud, saying that those schools that offer the program "produce some of the most articulate and energized students, students who are excited about poetry, about words, about how words can be used to bring change." 

Informational Video:
Poetry Out Loud Basics 
 
Have you heard of Poetry Out Loud, but not sure yet what it is all about? Are you a returning teacher to the program and want to share it with colleagues who have not been involved? 

ArtsWA has produced a sixteen minute informational video to introduce the program and explain some of the fundamentals. 
Poetry Out Loud Office Hours

Are you interested in Poetry Out Loud, and want a chance to ask clarifying questions about the program? Are you a returning teacher with questions on a specific aspect of the program? You can email us at any time, but if you'd like the opportunity to call in when staff will be available to talk to you, please join us during our virtual office hours, Monday, October 30th and Thursday, November 9th from 2:30-4pm.
Julian Dow was a Naches High School senior when he competed at the 2016-17 Washington State Poetry Out Loud Finals. He was named State runner-up. Photo by Jesse Gardner.
Recitation Tips and Examples
New Resource from the NEA

NEW from the Poetry Out Loud national office,  POL Tips and Examples  - a video series that outlines helpful tips on how to make a recitation strong, offering examples of successful and not-so-successful recitation elements.  The video is available in its entire 15 minute form, or in six small chapters.  Feel free to share!

School Registration is open until November 17, 2017!

Registration for 2017-18 Poetry Out Loud is currently open. Please review the  materials on the Information Page   and  Fact Sheet before you register, then Click Here  for the online School Registration Form. 
Questions?

Please contact Judy Cullen, Poetry Out Loud State Coordinator, at [email protected].


The Washington State Arts Commission is committed to values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and creative expression. We believe in diverse forms of artistic expression, and we believe in access to arts and arts education for all individuals in our state. The arts can and should play a role in addressing inequities, modeling inclusion, and teaching empathy.
Glenda Carino | Communications Manager | 360-586-8093 
g[email protected] | arts.wa.gov

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