Overview

In this lesson, students will explore how place-based communities create belonging and examine their own role in building community. Students will identify the difference between chosen and assigned communities, recognizing that they can create meaning and connection even in communities they didn’t choose. Through a case study of Chicago’s artistic community, students will analyze how musicians and spoken word poets express appreciation for the people and places that shaped them. Students will learn about the history of slam poetry and examine specific techniques spoken word artists use to communicate emotion and meaning. Working collaboratively, students will then create and perform their own spoken word poems reflecting on their school community.

Lesson Materials