English 8
Mrs. Irey
Public Speaking
Mrs. Irey
COFFEE
SHOP
Avella
Hot House
Poetry Unit
BEATNIK is a term that was given to some people during the
“beat generation” (the 1950’s and 60’s) when rock n’ roll,
blues, and jazz were just emerging into the American
mainstream. People, especially young adults, that enjoyed
this non-commercial kind of music were labeled “beatniks” and
were considered to be unusual, artsy, and living on the fringe
of society.
They used words and
phrases like…
“groovy,”
“cool cat,”
“daddy-o,”
“boss,”
“dig it,”
and “like wow, man.”
These beatniks
were also
known to hang
out in
and recite
poetry, usually
to a beat…
often, coming
from a standing
bass or bongos.
Often, the
COOL way to
show your
approval for
another
beatnik’s
poetry or
performance
piece would not
have been to
clap, but to
SNAP
YOUR FINGERS!
Their
was also
considered
unusual,
avant-garde,
and modern
for the
time—
lots of black,
stripes,
and often,
a beret.
Let’s watch a few of these beatniks in action…
video 1
video 2
video 3
Your Assignment
1. Write a poem about one of the
topics at the end of this
slideshow.
2. Write a beatnik-style poem
about the topic you choose.
3. Write at least 10 lines.
4. Use the proper heading format.
5. Give your poem an original
title, placed in the proper
location on the page.
6. Use poetry or don’t; rhyme or
don’t; make sense or don’t.
This is art, Daddy-O!
Your Assignment (continued)
7. Include a simile or
onomatopoeia,
also underline and label it.
8. You may read directly from your
sheet, at the coffee shop reading.
9. Show your appreciation for the
other “beatniks” by snapping at the
end of each piece.
Your Assignment (continued)
10. Participation and effort are the key
graded items here!
Just do your best, and…
11. Have fun with this one!
RUBRIC
1.Paper with at least ten lines
of writing is submitted on the day
of the Coffee Shop………………...5 pts.
2.Writing is, at least, loosely
related to the pre-approved
topic…………………………………5 pts.
3.There is a simile or onomatopoeia
in the poem………………………...5 pts.
4.Simile or onomatopoeia are
underlined and properly labeled…5 pts.
5.Beatnik poet speaks with
enough volume for us to hear……5 pts.
6.Spoken piece is performed
smoothly, with obvious effort &
preparation…………………………5 pts.
7.Beatnik responds to other
performers appropriately.
(In other words, he/she is a good Coffee Shop
customer)……………………………….5
pts.
TOTAL…………………………..35 points
To add a sense of
realism (and FUN)
to this project,
we will be
enjoying coffee
on the day of our
COFFEE SHOP!
YOU can also add to the realism of this project by
dressing the part. Wear any or all of the following
items to really become a BEATNIK at our Coffee
Shop…
- All black clothing, or
- Black pants w/ black n’ white striped shirts
- Black or dark sunglasses, especially the
“Lennon” style
- Black or dark scarves
- Berets, especially black
Now, here are your topics…
Remember: these are purposely silly and vague.
YOU have to make them awesome!
Avella
Hot House
Okay, beatniks…
The date of our
Coffee Shop will
be Friday,
March 4, 2011!
Start putting your
thoughts on paper
and practicing
them aloud.
Have fun!
NOTE: You’ll also
get a study guide
for next week’s
Poetry Test.