Unit Vocabulary
Volume change: add a crescendo (going from soft to loud in a line) or a decrescendo (going from loud too soft in a line) or say a word or line loudly or softly
Pace change: vary your speed from fast to slow or slow to fast in certain sections
Repetition: repeat a key word or phrase once or several times, with one or more voices
Paired voices: have two people read a word or phrase together to emphasize it
Single voice: have one person reading alone after a group has been reading to draw attention to that section
Group voice: have everyone reading a line or section together
Sound effects: add sound effects of some kind that somehow relate to the text
Beat box: have one or more group members creating a soft beat box effect during a section or the whole poem
Movement: have members of the group moving at various points in the poem – their movements connected to the text or to the vocal decisions
Tone: give a line a frightening, lighthearted, nervous, loving, etc. tone
Supplies for Comic Book Poetry
Any kind of chart paper, if you're new, maybe start with a construction or poster paper from the teacher supply store, they run about a dollar. If you can, I recommend legal size copy paper or letter size if push comes to shove.
Scissors, tape, markers, rulers and/or a glue-stick to put your board together.
If you want fun glitter glue, stickers, or anything else you can think of to be creative. Some students like to be really creative but if embellishments make you feel great, then go for it. Magazines that you can cut images and quotes from also work well.
Most importantly, it's your work and you want to feel proud. Photos, quotes, sayings, images of places, reminders of events, places, or people, notes from friends and just about anything that complements your theme.
Time
Class time generally takes a couple of weeks depending on how many times a week you meet particular classes. If you want to include this type of activity in an after-school program feel free to do so and watch the kids take ownership immediately.
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