Interested in the contest, but not sure how to incorporate it into your class? We have listed a few sample methods for how to integrate the Lost In Translation Poetry Event into your curriculum. We hope you find this helpful.
Many students don't know what poetry recitation is. We recommend introducing them to Poetry Outloud, an English-language poetry recitation contest. They can watch students recite poems in English so they can hear and see what it means to interpret a poem.
TEACHERS: In order for students to participate in this online forum, you must get consent from their parents. When you register a student, you are confirming that parents/caregivers have given permission. THE OFFICIAL PERMISSION SLIP MAY BE ACCESSED HERE. The text of the permission is below:
Dear Caregivers,
In honor of National Poetry month, our class will be participating in the Vermont Organization of Classics and Language Educators Lost in Translation Poetry Event. This event will be conducted virtually, and first-place finishers will be celebrated at the Vermont State House this spring.
PLEASE SIGN BELOW to acknowledge the following: "I understand that participation in this event will be through online video submission. My student's voice and video will be evaluated on a platform where it can be viewed by other teachers, judges, and event organizers. Students will identify themselves by first name only, and no other identifying information will be shared on this platform. With my signature below, I am giving my consent for my student to participate. I must respond in order for my student to be fully registered."
Once I receive your confirmation, I will register your student. Registration closes on April 1st.
Sincerely,
(Teachers name and contact)
There is no right way to incorporate the Lost in Translation Poetry Event into your curriculum. Here are some ideas to incorporate poems into your classes for maximum repetition )input.
Use the poem as an "eenie meenie" type rhyme to determine whose turn it is for any game or activity
Recite the poem as the "music" (sound) for games like musical chairs, Four corners, etc.
In the place of counting to 10 (for example) in any "timed" activity recite the poem for maximum repetition.
Start and end class with a choral response of the poem
Create movements and gestures for each word/ line of the poem.
There is no right way to incorporate the Lost in Translation Poetry Event into your curriculum. Here are some ideas to incorporate poems into your classes.
Recite the poem as the "music" (sound) for games like musical chairs, Four corners, etc.
In the place of counting to 10 (for example) in any "timed" activity recite the poem.
Start and end class with a choral response of the poem.
Create gestures (act out) each word or line of the poem.
Recite the poem using different voices (whisper, falsetto, deep,)
Challenge students to add drama to their recitation and share with the class (in person or using Flipgrid or other sharing options)
Illustrate the poem
Post the poem on a visible bulletin board in large letters with corresponding student artwork
There is no right way to incorporate the Lost in Translation Poetry Event into your curriculum. Here is a sample plan for students in middle and high school. You may consider requiring students to prepare a poem, but not requiring them to compete.
VIRTUAL/IN-PERSON METHOD 1:
Step 1: Have students visit this website to learn about the contest and read the rubric. You may also want to introduce the idea of presenting a poem by having students watch some recitations in English. Poetry Outloud has a number of videos they can watch.
Step 2: Have students watch a video of their assigned poem. You may also choose to have them read along as they listen. I asked my students to read the poem again and highlight words they understood.
Step 3: Students should familiarize themselves with unusual vocabulary. One easy way to do this is by having them study a Quizlet flashcard set. If you find/make your own, please consider sharing them us -- we'll link them to this page!
Step 4: Students complete a read-through. Teacher provides feedback.
Step 5: Students begin to memorize. In the past, some teachers have had students work on memorizing the poem in small groups.
Step 6: We recommend having your students record a "dress rehearsal"-- set up by the teacher -- so they are familiar with the layout and process.
Depending on the age and dynamic of your students, this can be structured activities in class, or it can be very independent.