Communication Arts

Communication Arts is a project-based encore/elective class, which follows the Language Arts State Curriculum Standards, with a focus on speaking, listening, performance, movement, and presentation. Students will have fun being creative and expressing their ideas, while developing confidence with speaking and performing. Students will have opportunities to create and perform original work in the form of speeches, films, skits, monologues, debates, commercials, theater scenes, games, etc.

F.A.Q.s about Communication Arts

The documents below are two formats of a letter that is sent home with students and shared with parents on Curriculum night. It answers all the frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.s) about Communication Arts, including information about grading, homework, technology, etc.

Curriculum Night Parent Letter.docx

Curriculum Night Parent Letter

Sarah Banks Middle School Communication Arts

Comm Arts YouTube Channel Opt Out.docx

SBMS Communication Arts YouTube Channel

Watch some of your (or your student's) class performances and film-making projects online!
Playlists are organized by school year, semester, grade level, and class period. (For example, "16/17 2nd Semester 7th Grade - 3rd Hour")
Students, feel free to watch past performances and older film projects for ideas and motivation with your own current projects.
Click on the link to the left to explore the channel! Or, go to www.YouTube.com and search "Sarah Banks Middle School Communication Arts" to find the channel.
Check out performances/films of friends, neighbors, siblings, cousins, etc. that have previously taken Comm Arts with "Miss O-P"!
If you do NOT want your child's performances to be recorded, or films that they are in to be published on the channel, please complete and return a "You Tube Opt Out Form," which can be found to the left below the link to the YouTube channel.

"How To..." Guides for Communication Arts Class

Writing a Speech Process

"How to Write a Speech, Act Out a Scene, and Create a Film"

This document walks you through the steps of EACH process in detail.

**These are general outlines that will guide you through the process. Some projects may incorporate additional steps or specific requirements**

"How to Share a Film Digitally"

This document walks you through MULTIPLE ways to share a completed film with Mrs. Schikora. It also includes some tips and tricks for troubleshooting in case you encounter any difficulty, and considers that you may be sharing from a variety of devices.

"What to do Afterwards"

This document walks you through what to do when you believe a project is complete.

**Includes a list of "Extras" for film projects**

Communication Arts Links

If you would like to view additional helpful videos and tutorials, please visit the Sarah Banks Communication Arts YouTube Channel and view the "Helpful Speaking/Acting/Film-making Tutorials" Playlist