2025-26 Brooklyn Park First Year 

The dates for presenting our main speeches are underlined.  (Subject to change) 

Class       Date                Topic

1                 09/11              Why am I doing this?  (Good question!) 🙂 I always enjoy our first class, meeting students and parents! We talked about why good speech skills are necessary, a little about how we develop those skills, and heard some speaking slips from well-known folks from all walks of life. We considered opportunities to use our skills at this age and time of life. I shared some unique commencement speeches from the past. We also considered 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 Scripture verse page, 3. Write out a time someone has affected you either positively or negatively with their words (see handout), and 4. Jot down some of their favorite things (handout).  Be sure to write you name on all of your homework. You'll be handing in your work.  It was good to meet you all!  I'm excited about this class and believe it will be a really special group!  

2                 09/25             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 where you're interested in a particular topic.  Have a great week enjoying these perfect temperatures!  

3                 10/02             Introducing…gestures, body movement, fears, etc. - There was a lot we went through today!  Sorry about that but our time is limited.  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, 2. Re-read through your notes, 3. Find out who told God they were too young to speak, and 4. Do a little research. For both 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. Find someone who overcame a speech impediment of some kind.  Write out who, what 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.  This can be something serious or humorous.  Do not use any of the examples shared in class.  Thank you! 

4                 10/09             Voice and enunciation - Using our voices well in speaking is so important for many reasons.  Today we looked at various aspects that help us come across as we'd like.  We considered our rate (speech), pitch, volume, etc.  We also looked 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 did several exercises in class to learn each of these aspects.  We also saw 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 with inserting commonly misused words the way they should be used.  This shouldn't take long.  You'll have time to enjoy the cooler weather and watch the leaves change.    

5                 10/16             Introduction to Interpretive Speeches - We're starting a new unit with interpretive speeches.  Today I gave 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 should 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.  

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 looked at what quality material would include, characterization, and writing a good introduction for the piece you choose.  For homework, keep looking and try to decide by next week 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!  Thanks for being a great class of students.    

7                10/30             Examples of poor and excellent interpretations - Today we watched videos of past student's interpretive speeches at competitions.  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 as we'll be marking up our scripts.  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 went through their scripts looking at punctuation, adjectives, etc.  They'll be sharing interpretive quips for practice.  I also gathered information regarding selections.  Be prepared to deliver next week if you are scheduled!   Remember to invite others to hear you.  Please dress up as per the handout and have your script (each page individually) taped to dark colored construction paper.  I'm eager to see you perform!

9                 11/13             Yay!  Students present Interpretive speeches - (Half the class/4-10 min) Students performing this week are Elsie, Francis, Grace, Haddie, Isabella, Jillienne, and Xavier.  Very good job today, students!  I was proud of you.  

10               11/20             Finish presenting Interpretive speeches – (Half the class/4-10 min) - Students performing this week are Ada, Thomas, Levi, Lauryn, Harlow and Imogene.  Another fun week watching you perform!  Way to go, students!                        NO Homework over Thanksgiving.  

11/27    Thanksgiving week off!  Give God thanks for all your blessings!  I'm thankful for each of you! No class

11          12/04             Intro to Duo Interpretations - You will be presenting your duo interpretive speeches next week.  Invite family members to come and watch!  You can practice over the phone if you’d like but 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.    Here’s the link to the duo I want you to watch.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7DSmHfJJIA

12               12/11             Present Duo Interpretations - All student pairs presenting.  No homework.   Great job, students.  It was fun watching you!  I'm also thankful for our audience.  That always makes our speeches seem more real when others are there.  

13               12/18             Intro to Platform Speeches - We're starting a new unit on platform speeches.  I introduced some famous speakers and why their speeches were so effective.  l talked 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).  And, we had a little Christmas fun.  Homework:  Bring back three potential topics that you are thinking of for your platform speech. 

12/25-01/01   Christmas and New Year's Break!  Celebrate Christ with your family!  No classes

14               01/08             Review of basic writing skills (sharpen pencils and minds - Today we learned about a speech that probably saved a president's life!  Interesting topic.  We talked about other well-known speakers/speeches and why they made an impact.  We went 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               01/15             Putting it into practice - We talked a bit more about outlines and practiced completing one in class with partners.  We also reviewed what is expected for our platform speeches.  Students should continue working on their chosen topic as these will be given Jan. 29 and Feb 5, 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               01/22             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.  We will most likely go overtime.  

17               01/29            Present platform speeches (4-10 minutes) - Harlow, Imogene, Levi, Lauryn, Jill and Ada.  You students did a wonderful job today!  I was so proud of you.  Way to go!  

18                02/05            Finish presenting platform speeches (4-10 minutes) - Francis, Grace, Xavier, Elsie, Haddie, Thomas and Isabella.  Great job, students!  I'm proud of you.  You've learned a lot this year and your speeches prove it! 

19               02/12            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, our last.  😕

20               02/19            Present impromptu speeches (all). The goal is to reach two minutes after four minutes of prep time.  Just relax.  These can be fun!   Nice job today!  I will miss you all.  I sure enjoyed this class! I hope you all did as well.  

Your future is full of opportunities to use what you've learned!  Use your skills for the King of Kings!   

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