If you're writing poetry it's a great way to hear and refine your words. It's Also healthy for kids or anyone really to speak out in front of a group.
So if you've never done it, or if it's been a while, grab your favorite poetic publication and a group of friends and perform a poem or two.
Make it really fun by doing one of these:
- Practice different character voices. Put on different tones or accents to see which ones sound the best. My kids like to do a British voice for some poems and a southern drawl for others. Try sad, happy, crazy or mad.
- Have someone play an instrument or put some fun music on in the background. Some poetry has a great rhythm to it and could even be sung.
- Add sound effects. If your reading about a bird, throw in a few squawks or whistles. The buzz of a bee, the rumble of thunder, or a hearty laugh (or an evil snicker) give great dimension to a story. Kids are especially good at coming up with sound effects for just about anything.
Have another idea for reading poetry out loud? Let me know by sending me a message:)
Here is my poem Hungry Couch read by my daughter Ashley Higginson with some background music.
She did a great job!