WHAT IS POETRY OUT LOUD? 
Poetry Out Loud is a FREE program for South Dakota high schoolers (grades 9-12), in public, private, or home school, that encourages students to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation. This program provides avenues for students to master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, learn about their literary heritage, and compete for more than $50,000 in prizes.

IMPORTANT DATES IN 2025
FEBRUARY 16 - Preliminary Round Video Submission Due
FEBRUARY 24 - State Qualifiers Notified
MARCH 10 - State Finals Competition in Sioux Falls
($150 stipend + travel reimbursement for teachers)
MAY 5-7 - National Finals Competition in Washington, DC
(All-expenses paid for state champion and chaperone)

REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL ANYTIME: 
Online Registration Form  

NEW ONLINE RECORDING GUIDE AND SUBMISSION FORM: 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jb6_qTUJmogY8Z6h7Ec7BVxinTMXeb7e-bKz1lniQHY/edit  
Submissions are open and will be accepted through Feb. 16! 

RESOURCES : 
Teachers Guide to Poetry Out Loud:  https://www.poetryoutloud.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/POL_TG_2024-25_webaccessible.pdf   
Find resources for teachers, competitors and judges and explore the online anthology of poems eligible for competition at: https://www.poetryoutloud.org/ 

NCTE & COMMON CORE STANDARDS: 
As teachers, you have more to do than prepare lesson plans and teach. At Poetry Out Loud, we've developed FREE lesson plans and classroom resources to help complement your busy schedule. This program also satisfies more than half of the NCTE English Language Arts Standards along with many of the Common Core State Standards in Reading and Language. 
POL Standards Flyer [linked here] 
The schedule and curriculum for Poetry Out Loud can be completed in 2 - 3 weeks, depending on each teacher’s schedule. It DOES NOT require full class periods, so instructors can take it at their own pace. We also have virtual POL lessons that students can access on their own. Check out our Youtube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT4a42VZ5YbUsIHN8y-6X5ioaoLrew7Z0 
 
RECENT POL NEWS: 
Sign up for the South Dakota Poetry Out Loud mailing list: https://artscouncil.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=5a027aa5b455dfd04cedef170&id=f11990aea3  
01/28/2025 - Poetry Out Loud: Participation Reports Due 
01/10/2025 - Poetry Out Loud: Register Now! 
12/13/2024 - Poetry Out Loud: Original Poetry Competition 
12/06/2024 - Poetry Out Loud: Get Involved! 

PRIZES: 
State Champion: $200 and $500 to their school’s library to purchase poetry material 
Receives an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. with a chaperone to compete in the Poetry Out Loud National finals for a chance to win $20,000! 
Runner-Up: $100 and $300 to their school’s library to purchase poetry material 
Original Poetry: $100 

CONTACT: 
Rebecca Cruse 
Rebecca.Cruse@state.sd.us 
Phone: (605)295-4052