2026-27 TAG Class Schedule

Fridays 

 (Subject to small changes)

Class             Date                Topic

1                    09/11              Why am I doing this?  (Good question!) 🙂 I always enjoy our first class, meeting students and parents! We'll talk about why good speech skills are necessary, introduce how we develop those skills, and hear some speaking slips from well-known folks from all walks of life. We'll consider opportunities to use our skills at this age and time of life. I'll share some unique commencement speeches from the past. We'll also consider some Scripture verses that support the need for Biblical ways of speaking. Students will have four short homework assignments. 1. They are to write out some specific information about a speech on a 3" x 5" card for next week (a few speeches may not be used). The information about the assignment is given on a half-sheet handout. A copy of the entire speech is not necessary. 2. Fill out the Wise Words Verses page. 3. Write out a time someone has affected you either positively or negatively with their words (see handout).   4. Jot down some of their favorite things (handout).  Be sure to write your name on all of your homework. You'll be handing it in.  I'm excited about this class and believe it will be a really special group!  

2                    09/18             Listening Skills - Listening skills are so important, even as a speaker.  They are the other half of good communication.  Practice listening well this week and see how it makes a difference.   Homework - Re-read through your notes for your homework.  1. Memorize Proverbs 1:5.   2. Have a conversation (not a one-word hello) with an adult (not a sibling, preferably someone you've not talked with much before).  Actively listen and write down the results on a 3"x5" card to hand in next week.  3. Listen to a speech (as directed in your notes and what we talked about in class).   You can choose a fairly short one.  The more unique it is, the better.  I enjoy humorous ones, but you can decide.  Again, write out the various aspects that you see and hear regarding the speaker and the audience.  YouTube would be a good place to check for a speech regarding a particular topic you're interested in.  Have a great week!  

3                    09/25            Introducing…gestures, body movement, fears, etc. - We'll be going through a lot today!  Keep in mind what we learned and continue to watch and listen to speakers to see if you notice any of these good ideas or things that were done/said that weren't so good.  There are four brief assignments due for next week - 1. Keep listening well.  2. Re-read through your notes. 3. Find out who told God they were too young to speak.  4. Do a little research. Find someone who overcame a speech impediment of some kind.  Write out who they are, what impediment they had, how they overcame it (if they did), and any other interesting particulars (per the handout).  OR, find information on someone who had a negative experience with a speech. For either of these, write out a brief paragraph on what you find.  You only have to choose one unless you'd like to work on both.  These can be something serious or humorous.  Do not use any of the examples shared in class.  Thank you! 

4                    10/02             Voice and enunciation - Using our voices well in speaking is so important for many reasons.  Today we'll look at various aspects that help us come across as we'd like (in a good way)!  We'll consider our rate (speed), pitch, volume, etc.  We’ll also look at how to breathe in the correct manner, use the roller coaster system to make our voices sound interesting (not flat), and enunciating well with plosives - the hard letter sounds (t, d, l, k, p, b, etc.).  They help us speak clearly.  We'll do several exercises in class to learn each of these aspects.  We'll also see the difference in using correct punctuation, and how it can change the meaning of what is being said.  Homework - Students are to complete a handout sheet inserting commonly misused words.  This shouldn't take long.  You'll have time to enjoy the cooler weather and watch the leaves change.    

5                    10/09             Introduction to Interpretive Speeches - We're starting a new unit with interpretive speeches.  I'll give a brief overview of what is coming up.  These will be the student's first main speech of the year. Interpretive speeches can be so enjoyable to watch and present.  Students, remember to look for something that you are interested in and feel you can perform well.  Humor is good and can be a lot of fun!  Dramatic can be very emotional and make us think.  You should begin looking for something now.  I'll be going over finding good material next week.  We'll also look at writing an introduction to your speech that will gain attention and make listeners look forward to hearing it.  I anticipate some good speeches down the road as you work to do your best with these.  Homework is simply to start looking and get some ideas flowing.  

         10/16           MEA – No class   

6                    10/23             Finding good material and writing good introductions - Continue looking for the piece/selection you want to use for your interpretive speech.  We'll look at what quality material would include, characterization, and writing a good introduction for the piece you choose.  For homework, decide by next week what you’ll be using for your selection.  Also, using the examples of good introductions, rewrite at least three of the poorly written intros from the handout.  Be sure to include the author and title, even if one isn't given.  Make one up if necessary.  I want them to be written very well!      

7                    10/30             Examples of poor and excellent interpretations - We'll watch videos of past student interpretive speech competitors.  Students should keep in mind how these were presented as they prepare for their own in two weeks.  Remember, poor Ima was NOT a good example.  She never seems to get any better.  Homework for Nov 6 - Bring in your script (not the book).  It should be typed, double-spaced, and printed on regular computer paper.  Bring in colored pencils to mark up your script.  Get to know your script as well as you can so you don't have to use it much and can stay in character when you present.  Remember to time yourself several times so you know you're within the time limit.  I'm looking forward to your presentations!  Work toward doing your best.

8                    11/06             Dissection of our Interpretive Speeches - Students will go through their scripts looking at punctuation, adjectives, etc.  They'll be sharing interpretive quips for practice.  I'll gather information regarding selections.  Be prepared to deliver next week if you are scheduled!   Feel free to invite others to hear you.  Please dress up per the handout and have your script (each page individually) taped to dark colored construction paper.  I'll be eager to see you perform!

9                    11/13             Yay!  Students present Interpretive speeches - (Half the class/4-10 min) Students performing this week are: 

10                  11/20             Finish presenting Interpretive speeches – (Half the class/4-10 min) - Students performing this week are:       

11/27    Thanksgiving!  Give God thanks for your blessings!  I'm thankful for each of you! (No class or homework) 

11            12/04             Intro to Duo Interpretations - You will be presenting your duo interpretive speeches at our next class.  You may invite others to come and watch!  You can practice over the phone with your partner/s if you’d like.  It’s not necessary to get together unless you want to.  Simply have fun with them and do your best.  Know your part as well as possible. They DO NOT have to be memorized!   As I mentioned, I will allow you to make direct eye contact, touch a tiny bit if appropriate, and use two chairs.    Homework: Here’s the link to the duo that you are to watch.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7DSmHfJJIA

12                  12/11             Present Duo Interpretations - All student pairs presenting.  No homework.   It will be fun watching you!  I'm also thankful when an audience is present (mom, dads, grandparents, etc.).  Having them there makes our speeches seem more real.  We’ll have a little Christmas fun at the end of class. 

12/18-01/07   Christmas and New Year's Break!  Celebrate Christ with your family!  (No class)

13                     01/08             Intro to Platform Speeches - We're starting a new unit on platform speeches.  I’ll introduce some famous speakers and why their speeches were so effective.  I’ll talk about the types of speeches you can choose from to present at a later date.  You'll be writing these yourselves and choosing your topic (within reason).  Homework:  Bring three potential topics that you are thinking of for your platform speech. 

14                     01/15             Review of basic writing skills (sharpen pencils and minds - Today we’ll learn about a speech that probably saved a president's life!  Interesting topic.  We’ll talk about other well-known speakers/speeches and why they made an impact.  We’ll also go over the importance of using an outline to prepare a speech. It helps keep our topic organized, saves time, and is easier to remember as we write.  Homework:  Students should bring a simple outline to class next week, which should include their chosen topic and a few main points.  Start working on a little research if needed, coming up with examples and short stories to include, and help us to learn through your speaking.  

15                    01/22             Putting it into practice – We’ll talk a bit more about outlines and practice completing one in class with partners.  We’ll also review what is expected for our platform speeches.  Students should continue working on their chosen topic as these will be given Feb. 5 and Feb. 12, half the class each week.  Homework:  Keep working on your speech and be prepared to give the practice speech I gave each of you.  These are all different so we can hear a good mix of actual speeches given by a variety of people.  You are not required to dress up for the practice speeches, but it would be good for the experience.  Be sure to bring your practice script to class.  I will have no extra copies with me.  

16                  01/29           More review, present practice speeches - Students will be presenting their practice speeches to ready themselves for their original speeches the next two weeks.  We'll also have a brief time of review.   

17                  02/05            Present platform speeches (4-10 minutes each) – half the class

18                  02/12           Finish presenting platform speeches (4-10 minutes each) – half the class

19                  02/19           Introduction to the “Wonderful World of Impromptu” - We'll be going over impromptu preparation techniques and doing some practicing.  Practice this coming week so you are ready to do your best!  All students will be speaking next week.

20                  02/26              Present impromptu speeches (all). The goal is to reach two minutes after four minutes of prep time.  Just relax.  These can be fun!    Topics include – Talk about…, Bible Talk, current topics, and spiritual life. 

21                03/05           Storytelling – (all students – about four minutes) – Choose a story to tell.  It can be a shortened version of your favorite book, but it should be given with enthusiasm and the correct tone.  It is NOT a book report but a retelling.  A short novel may be best for this or a story you’ve heard.  (You can use a story from the Bible if you’d like but it should be around four minutes).  You can give the author of the book you choose and perhaps a bit about why you chose that particular story.  This part should be like a formal introduction, not just the info informally but as intros were given for your interpretive speeches. 

22                03/12           Attitude of Gratitude – Prepping for Thankful Hearts – Most people today have not learned the importance of showing gratitude to others, or even to God. We’ll be going over having an attitude of gratitude in class.  You’ll be participating in a variety of ways and get an understanding if you are a grateful person or not.  This could be eye-opening!  Then you’ll prepare a speech for next week, which will be explained in class.

23                03/19           Gratitude Speeches – Speeches will be given per instruction from our last class.  (All students – 4-5 minutes)

    03/26          Resurrection weekend  (no class)  

24                04/02           Persuasive Commercials (done in class in small groups – I’ll be assigning the groups)

25                04/09           Persuasive speeches – Choose your topic (see handout - about 4-5 min)

26                04/16           Proverbs speeches –You will choose a portion of Scripture from the Proverbs from the handout previously given.  Address that portion as a mini-devotional.  What is being taught? Use some examples from life – yours, someone else’s or a Biblical character.  What are the consequences of not doing what the Proverb is teaching, or what can be a positive outcome?  (All students - about 4-5 minutes)

27                04/23           Biblical Object Lesson – (all students – about four minutes) – You will be choosing an item or items to use for your lesson.  Scripture usage is recommended.  Hint:  There are a lot of Christian books on object lessons, online resources, and even Pinterest has tons of these.  We should learn from the lesson and remember what you taught us from the item/items used. 

28                04/30           Who are you?  Brief speeches about yourself (done in class)

29                05/07           Unique Ministry speeches – I’d like you to find a very unique ministry that is communicating the love of God through its service. Find one most people will NOT be familiar with.  We’ve all heard of Feed My Starving Children and Operation Christmas Child.  The emphasis is on UNIQUE!  (all students – 4-5 minutes)