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February 7, 2025
This week, the freshman English classes started their first unit that will continue until their senior year: Poetry Out Loud. This unit consists of picking out a poem of their choice from the Poetry Out Loud website. Each student must pick out a poem with at least 14 lines, which they later have to memorize and recite in front of their class.
Students had around 2 weeks to memorize their poems and with this being the first year the class of 2028 had to participate in Poetry Out Loud many nerves came with it. Michelle Dowell and Padyache both gave their students many opportunities and time to help memorize their poems. For example, Dowell’s class had to go up in front of their class and tell a joke to get used to the feeling of being in front of class. She also had the opportunity for students to go up in front of their class to present the first line of their poem. This helped many kids get over their fear of being in front of the class, so, in the long run, the students did better.
Poetry Out Loud competitor. (Photo credits: Poetry Out Loud)
On Jan. 22 and 23 is when students had to recite their poems. Even with practice, nervousness still came for many. Almost every other person forgot or stuttered a line.. Dowell provided one line for help that didn’t count against their grade if they needed it. Students were graded on four main things with each one being worth 10-20 points. The four categories students were graded on: volume and articulation, eye contact and body language, context and pace, as well as memorization and level of difficulty of the poem. Freshman Milana Sanson in Dowell’s third period class said, “I was really nervous. Although with the help and support given throughout the two weeks, I knew I was gonna do good.”
Additionally, if teachers were very impressed with a certain student they would offer the student the opportunity to participate in the Poetry Out Loud contest and possibly compete state-wide. No matter who the student is, it is very important for them to take Poetry Out Loud seriously, as they will be doing this until their senior year.
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