Practices

Our first team practice of the year is Tuesday, September 9, at 3:50pm in Room 609. Snacks will be provided.

The coach respects students' time and will honor it. She asks students to value it the same. Since school ends at 3:45pm, students are asked to use the 5-minute window to take care of personal needs, grab their supplies, use the restroom, or get water before practice. We will begin promptly at 3:50.

Regular practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:50 until 6:00pm. (Occasionally, practice ends early, at 5:30, 5:00, or 4:50. Practice end- times are regularly communicated with students.) For some practices, a second hour is available for a study hall, a space for students to prep and practice individual speeches and cases. (The practice immediately following tournaments will have the second hour reserved for member homework club.) Required time may be added on to practices, as needed. When the team needs to run a full policy debate round, that would be a 2-hour practice and students will receive advanced notice. Any schedule conflicts should be worked out with the coach in advance when possible. Communication is key. Your coach wants to be in the loop.

Once per month, the Executive Team will hold a meeting during regular practice time and all other team members will not have practice.

Practices will begin with a 10-minute warm-up speaking exercise, sometimes full group, sometimes small group or partners. We'll integrate impromptu speaking throughout the year. Announcements from the coach, the Executive Team, or any members follow. Between 20 to 45 minutes is devoted to debate lecture with 15 to 40 minutes of a practice or application activity. This time adds up to approximately one hour. Students will be encouraged to use the second hour to prep material for the next practice or competition and use the coach and other members as resources. Members are obligated to join for and stay for practice time unless they have worked out an alternative arrangement with the coach. See 'Membership Expectations' under the Resources tab for more information.

Students are welcome to join us at practice at any time throughout the school year. It's never too late to get your start!