Oral Reading

The Contest Summary

Reading literature out loud provides opportunities for students to analyze the text, to grow and to develop as a performer, to communicate a message to an audience and to perform an artistic creation. The oral reading competition should be an extension of the classroom literary and language arts activities in poetry, short stories and children's fiction. See the link below for frequently asked questions about oral reading. 

The Contest Format

Students in grades 4 and 5 read a selection of poetry. Each selection may be one poem, a cutting of a poem, or a combination of poems. The same selection may be read in all rounds, but different selections are permissible. Selections must be published although the poet may be unknown or anonymous. 

Study Material

In the link below, you'll find study materials to utilize as you practice for your event.  Also additional information can be found here:

• Frequently Asked Questions about Oral Reading

• How to determine if a selection is poetry or prose

• Where to find pieces? Try looking at winners of Children's Literature Awards.

• Search the Database of Award Winning Children's Literature

Link to Study Materials  (You must login with a BISD account to access the materials.)