“There are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars.” – Mark Twain
I'm teaching a new elective this year: Current Events/Speech & Debate. It will help students in two vital areas: they'll learn about the world and be able to speak in front of class without fainting!
My classes are filled with 7th and 8th graders from all around the district.
Many of my students are second language learners and many of their families commute from miles away to bring their children to our school. We are a magnet school within the public school district that provides an eight period schedule so that our students have access to a number of enrichment opportunities. Our campus is safe and many of our students succeed here due to our school climate. It's cool to be smart and do well here, so kids do!
My Project
My Current Events/Speech & Debate class is brand new on campus this year. I get to introduce these adolescents to the events happening in our state, nation, and world which is awesome! But, equally important, is the goal of easing their anxiety while standing in front of the class. I plan on using the iPad mini to videotape their speeches and debates so I can email them and let them watch, critique, and learn from seeing what the audience is seeing. The students can also videotape themselves and each other while rehearsing their speeches, newscasts, scripted debates, and other public speaking projects. This is an invaluable tool in this capacity! I also plan on letting them use it to create visuals to include in speeches. I have a projector that I can use alongside the iPad to show movies, slideshows, and photos.
Public speaking is the number one fear in America.
Death is number two. Becoming comfortable and confident in front of an audience will open doors for my students. Your donations will allow these middle schoolers to develop oratorical skills and polish their delivery by allowing them to examine, review, and practice this skill in my Speech & Debate class.
Half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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