Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest

The schedule and curriculum for Poetry Out Loud have been intentionally designed to fit into a teacher's busy schedule without much disruption. The program can take place over two to three weeks, according to each teacher's interest and schedule, and does not require full class periods during that time.

Free Program Materials

The following free materials will be available to every participating classroom:

• One Teachers Program Guide to help instructors teach recitation and performance
• One hardcopy anthology of approximately 100 poems
• One audio CD featuring distinguished actors and writers talking about and reciting poetry
• One Learning Recitation DVD & Companion Guide
• Posters and other promotional materials
• An extensive Web site offering additional teacher resources and an online poetry anthology of approximately 600 poems at www.poetryoutloud.org. 

Not participating in this year's official competition?

Your school can still run its own, unofficial program using the online materials on the National Poetry Out Loud website.

NCTE and South Carolina Standards and Classroom Time

Poetry Out Loud satisfies most of the NCTE English/Language Arts Standards as well as many of the South Carolina English/Language Arts Standards. In addition to memorizing and performing great poems, students will have the opportunity to discuss poems and to write poetry of their own. The Program Guide includes optional lesson plans for the teacher, as well as all other elements the teacher needs to implement the program.