Poetry Cafe
A Poetry Café is a fun, cozy classroom event where students read their own poetry aloud in a setting that feels like a real coffee shop.
Teachers usually dim the lights, play soft jazz, put out “café-style” tablecloths, battery candles, and maybe serve hot chocolate or cookies. Students take turns going up to the “mic” to perform or read their poems while the audience snaps (instead of claps!) when finished — just like real poetry slams.
Purpose:
Celebrate students’ writing in a special, meaningful way
Build confidence with public speaking
Let students experience poetry as performance — not just on paper
It’s also a great end-of-unit showcase for families.
