Poetry Out Loud
Erie Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), is proud to host the regional Poetry Out Loud competition for students in Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Warren, and Lawrence counties. This annual event encourages high school students to engage with poetry through memorization and performance, enhancing their public speaking skills and fostering a deeper appreciation for literature.
What is Poetry Out Loud?
Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation contest that helps students learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. Created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, the program is designed to help students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.
Why is it Important?
Educational Benefits: Poetry Out Loud integrates into English and drama curricula, aligning with Common Core and state standards. It enhances students’ understanding of poetry, literature, and the power of language.
Skill Development: The program helps students improve their public speaking, memorization, and critical thinking skills.
Cultural Enrichment: By engaging with a diverse range of poems, students gain a greater appreciation for poetry and its role in culture and history.
Competition Details:
Regional Competition: Held in late January, the competition features students from the six counties we serve. Participants compete in classroom and school-wide contests before advancing to the regional level.
State Competition: The winner of the regional competition advances to the state level competition, which takes place in March.
National Finals: State champions move on to compete in the national finals in Washington, D.C.
Get Involved: We invite educators and students from Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Warren, and Lawrence counties to participate in Poetry Out Loud. If you have students who are interested in poetry and public speaking, this is a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their talents and gain valuable skills.
Ready to Participate? For more information on how to get involved in Poetry Out Loud, please reach out to us. We are here to provide support, resources, and guidance to help your students succeed.
Contact Information: If you have any questions, need more detailed information, or are interested in participating, please contact Program Officer of Arts Education Jim Hain at james@erieartsandculture.org or 814-452-3427 x 102.
Learn More: Visit the Poetry Out Loud website for additional resources, including the online anthology, teacher’s guide, lesson plans, and videos of past performances.
