My sixth graders loved a Poetry Coffee House. They memorized another poet's poem and one of their own because we had just completed personal poetry books.
I went to Hobby Lobby and bought the little stand alone "candle" lights and votives. We put tablecloths over groups of desks to create cozy little tables with the candle in the center. Parent Volunteers were in the hallway with the "coffee shop" and tables of kids left to get their chocolate coffee between performances. The kids had also contributed goodies to eat with their choco coffee. You do not want to be managing the drinks and goodies so be sure to arrange parent volunteers early. It was a bit of a challenge to get the hot chocolate made, so the mothers were there early heating up a big coffee pot, and filling cups with powder so they could quickly add hot water and top it off with whip cream. Bongo players introduced the next poet, and there was a stool for the poet to sit on. In the past I was fortunate to have kids with blacklights but they seem to be fading out of style. The biggest pleasure for me was the fact that the personal poems were the best loved, and kids volunteered to do it again. You also want to do some modeling and practice of how to deliver a poem orally. Your hams will do the beatnik dress and style. I will warn you that you have to have some standards of length or much of the class will chose a short poem and you're done in a half hour and they don't truly experience the power of a well done poem. Have fun! _________________________________________________________________ Quick access to your favorite MSN content and Windows Live with Internet Explorer 8. http://ie8.msn.com/microsoft/internet-explorer-8/en-us/ie8.aspx?ocid=B037MSN55C0701A _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
