Poetry & Prose ON-STAGE - This is one of our longest-running student events, having been held at TCOE for 40 years! This oral interpretation celebration has grown into a seven-day event with over 1,600 Kindergarten through eighth-grade students performing their poetry and prose selections before an appreciative audience of family, friends, teachers and judges. There is no cost for schools to participate in this event. Family and friends are encouraged to attend!
Students may perform as a solo, or as part of a duo, small group (3-5) or large group (6-10). Knowledgeable, experienced judges evaluate each performance and provide oral and written feedback. Every student receives a beautiful personalized certificate with their award of Good, Very Good, Excellent, or Superior before they leave the event.
School Registration:
1. CLICK THIS LINK to register your school to participate - Time slots fill up quickly, so don't delay! Please be sure to note if your school is sharing transportation with another school.
Student Performances:
2. Coaches must enter their group performance information online at https://pnp.tcoe.org by February 28, 2025.
Each school may register up to 8 groups/performances, with a total of 30 students maximum. This group registration worksheet can be helpful in organizing your groups.
Guidelines:
• No costumes or props are allowed including hats/headbands, etc. (school spirit t-shirts are permitted)
• Material must be age-appropriate and suitable for a K-8 event (no questionable language / violent content etc.)
• Recitations in languages other than English are allowed and encouraged!
• Performances are limited to a 3-minute maximum.
Poetry & Prose Teachers:
Looking for suitable and engaging material for your students? Check out our TCOE Poetry & Prose Resource books. You'll find favorite Poetry & Prose selections for all ages collected from teachers at this event over the years.
We also encourage you to print and share these Poetry & Prose Performance Tips for Kids with your students to help them make the most of their experience on stage. This sample judges' sheet will explain what the judges will be looking for when they evaluate the student performances.
2025 Poetry & Prose Dates:
March 25-28 and April 1, 3 & 4
9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & 1:00 p.m.
Location:
Tulare County Office of Education
6200 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia
Grade Levels: TK / Kindergarten - 8th Grade
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(updated as schools are registered)
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Group Performance Registration:
https://pnp.tcoe.org/
(due February 28, 2025)
2025 Poetry & Prose School Coach Resources:
- 2025 Poetry & Prose complete event guidelines & FAQ's
- 2025 Poetry & Prose permission slip (English) - PDF
- 2025 Poetry & Prose permission slip (Spanish) - PDF
Event Contact:
Brook Killingsworth
(559) 733-6326
brookk@tcoe.org
