Poetry Gumbo Event Planner
Objective: Students will collaboratively plan and execute a live "Poetry Gumbo" event to showcase their original poetry projects, demonstrating skills in event planning, promotion, and presentation. Every student in the class has to participate in some important way.
Planning Duration: One class period.
Planning Duration: One class period.
DATE:
TIME:
WHERE:
TIME:
WHERE:
Day 1: Event Planning Kickoff
Day 2: Logistics and Promotion
Day 3: Rehearsals and Technical Setup
Day 4: Final Preparations
Day 5: Poetry Gumbo Event
- Goal: Introduce the concept of the Poetry Gumbo event and brainstorm ideas.
- Activities:
- Discuss the purpose and goals of the event.
- Brainstorm potential themes, venues (classroom, auditorium, senior section), and event formats (open mic, gallery walk, staged performance).
- Assign roles: Event Coordinator, Marketing Lead, Logistics Manager, Host/MC, etc.
Day 2: Logistics and Promotion
- Goal: Develop a detailed plan for event logistics and promotional strategies.
- Activities:
- Determine event date, time, and location.
- Plan the event schedule, including order of performances and intermissions.
- Design promotional materials: flyers, posters, social media posts.
- Create feedback cards to be distributed to audience during performance.
- Create invitations for parents, teachers, admin, and community members.
Day 3: Rehearsals and Technical Setup
- Goal: Prepare for the event through rehearsals and technical arrangements.
- Activities:
- Conduct rehearsals for student performances.
- Set up the venue: seating arrangements, stage setup, sound equipment.
- Finalize and print programs or brochures.
Day 4: Final Preparations
- Goal: Ensure all aspects of the event are ready.
- Activities:
- Conduct a full run-through of the event.
- Confirm all logistical details: refreshments, decorations, equipment.
- Address any last-minute issues or concerns.
Day 5: Poetry Gumbo Event
- Goal: Execute the live event.
- Activities:
- Welcome guests, provide programs, and distribute feedback cards.
- Facilitate student performances and presentations.
- Collect feedback from attendees on the spot.
About Us
Poetry Gumbo is a multi-layered poetry project held during National Poetry Month in April. Students participate in in-class workshops to develop and share their own stories through spoken word, verse, writing, publication and performance education.
Each class session, we challenge students to study craft through the critical examination of literary greats, modern leaders in the genre, and the lyrics of hip-hop. As students write, refine and perform, we highlight the rhythmic, literary and aesthetic components of language in order to define their real world experiences and connections.
Our mission is to not only showcase the creative talents of student poets, but also gain valuable experience in planning and executing a public event which helps to develop skills that are applicable beyond the classroom.
Each class session, we challenge students to study craft through the critical examination of literary greats, modern leaders in the genre, and the lyrics of hip-hop. As students write, refine and perform, we highlight the rhythmic, literary and aesthetic components of language in order to define their real world experiences and connections.
Our mission is to not only showcase the creative talents of student poets, but also gain valuable experience in planning and executing a public event which helps to develop skills that are applicable beyond the classroom.
Event Planner Rubric