Speech & Debate for Grades K-3rd and 3rd-5th

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Speech: K-2nd Grade Class offered:
  • Wednesdays 1:15-2:15
  • Plans include building communication skills through various exercises, including a unit on conflict resolution, age appropriate critical thinking exercises, games, as well as building the more traditional public speaking and listening skills. This is going to be a fun year!
Speech & Debate: ​​​3rd-5th Grade Class offered:
  • Wednesdays 11:30-12:30

​Please Note:
  • All classes cover similar areas of communications but are adjusted according to grade level.
  • Continuing enrollment, from year to year, means opportunity for continued growth. ​
  • Class assignments are varied from year to year with a few favorites repeated.
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Noteworthy Aspects of the Course
  • Students are not evaluated on a curve but against their own prior performances which serves to propel individual growth.
  • Assignments that require outside of class preparation are alternated with assignments that require little or no outside preparation. There is also an attempt to keep load lighter during finals.

  • This class is for students who are reluctant as well as those who thrive on performing (and every student in between those two extremes).
  • New assignments are almost always given at the top of the class. This increases the importance of being on time.
Typical Class Session
  1. Listen & Learn (instruction, new assignments, notes)
  2. Performances & Review (from peers & instructor) or in-class time to work on group assignments

The year focuses on: 
  • Focus on Speech
    • Introductions and Creating Class Connections
    • Assignments likely to include
      • Platform speaking (an original composition, either fully scripted or fully outlined)
      • Literature Interpretation (somewhat similar to acting)
      • Limited Preparation Speaking (speeches that require little or no at home preparation)
    • Teaching and Evaluation will include every aspect of delivery.
  • Focus on Debate
    • An Introduction to the Basics of Debate (what it is and is not)
    • ​Introduction to an Organized Debate Format
    • Viewing and Analyzing Debates
    • How to Construct an Argument
    • Common Fallacies
    • 4 Point Refutation​