What is Poetry Out Loud?
Poetry Out Loud is a national competition that encourages youth to engage with great poetry through memorization and recitation. The program helps students improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and grow their appreciation for poetry. There is no cost to participate! Awards are given to regional, state and national winners. In addition, the schools of the state and national winners receive scholarship awards.
Timeline
|
November 2026 |
School Competitions |
|
January 28, 2027 |
Region 2 Competition in Auburn |
|
February 25, 2027 |
State Competition in Montgomery |
|
April 2027 |
National Competition in Washington, D.C. |
Resources
- Alabama Poetry Out Loud
- Free educational materials for teachers
- Guidelines for filming Alabama Poetry Out Loud recitations
- Lesson Videos for the Classroom
- Lesson Plans
Region 2
The Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities is the coordinator for Region 2 in Alabama, which includes the following counties: Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Chilton, Coffee, Coosa, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, Russell, and Tallapoosa.
View the full list of regions and coordinators.
Would you like to participate? Do you have any questions?
Region 2 Coordinator
Maiben Beard
maiben@auburn.edu
334-844-4903