10 Ways to Read a Poem Out Loud

1. Introduce the Poem

Leader reads aloud without displaying the poem.

Leader then reads as participants follow along with their eyes.

2. Echo Reading

Leader reads one line: the group echoes what the leader says.

3. Alternate-line Reading

Leader reads one line, the group reads the second line; they continue alternating lines. The activity is repeated by reversing parts.

4. Cloze Technique

Leader reads each line, omitting the final word; group joins in to say the word and complete the line. The activity can be repeated with the leader omitting additional words.

5. Pitch

Read the poem in unison, starting in a whisper and gradually getting louder.

Read the poem in unison, starting in a loud voice and gradually getting softer to a whisper.

6. Pace

Read the poem in unison, starting slowly and gradually increasing speed.

Read the poem in unison, starting quickly and gradually decreasing speed.

7. Hand Clapping

The poem is read at a rhythmic pace, accompanied by clapping rhythm.

8. Round

One group begins to recite the poem in unison. The next group begins to recite the poem in unison after group one has finished the first line.

9. Assigning Lines

Each person in the group is assigned a line, a part of a line, or a word.

The group rehearses the poem, with each person contributing his or her part.

10. Only a Word

The group sits in a circle.

The poem is read with each person reading one word in turn.

Ten Ways to Read a Poem Out Loud is taken from Drama: Schemes, Themes, and Dreams by Larry Swartz and Debbie Nyma, published by Pembroke Publishers.