Keeping a journal as they read helps prepare students for more engaging discussion and elaborated writing.  When they have thought deeply about key issues and written words, phrases and sentences to record those thoughts, students are more likely to speak up with confident and write with authority. Here are some journal questions to help your [...]

In the United States, February is Black (African-American) History Month, a time when many teachers tailor lessons to feature the contributions of African-Americans. Since the oral tradition is significant in African-American history, and since oral language skill is one of the English Language Arts and Common Core Core Standards for ELA many are expected to [...]

Have you seen this resource from Frank Baker? He acknowledges that the conten is somewhat dated, the basic elements still are useful in its updated format.  Take a look and adapt to your setting. OBSERVING PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES I used it with success during the 2008 election season. It proved to be a good way to [...]

This sounds like a “Duh”, but what is the purpose of having the students do the summer reading?  How can you assess that purpose? Consider creating a list and include at least one common, required book   —– to set the tone for the year using a book to introduce the opening theme for the [...]

It’s important to know the values, beliefs, and attitudes that motivate behavior in order to write an effective persuasive speech or argumentative essay.   It also is important to understand ways that speakers and authors reveal these motivators in their writing. I used a website for creating word clouds as a kick-off to a persuasive speaking [...]

One way to introduce students to the power of persuasion and to show them evidence of logical fallacies is to have them analyze advertisements in print and digital media.  You can have students write and post their analysis or present their findings in a speech using visual aids.  You may find paying attention to color [...]

COMMON CORE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS STANDARDS include goals for public speaking.  One way to incorporate opportunities to build this skill is to assign speeches as one of the ways to assess student understanding of literature you teach.  Here’s one such assignment based on A LESSON BEFORE DYING by Ernest Gaines.

Many countries around the world conduct civil discussions in their legistlative bodies using Parliamentary Procedure.  This also is true about business, social, and religious organizations.  Students who understand the basics of parliamentary procedure often find themselves moving up into leadership positions in the schools, churches, and social groups.  As important as it is to be [...]

Learning to listen critically and to respond responsibly to controversial issues are skills especially useful in a democratic socieity.  Student Congress provides a venue for students to practice both these skills.   This handout with Student Congress Bill Instructions is one you can adopt or adapt for use with your students.      

Learning to speak with competence and confidence not only meets COMMON CORE ELA standards, but also prepares students for success along most career paths. One way to start students on the path to reaching this goal is inviting them to write, practice and present a speech that uses sensory images to recreate an experience they’ve [...]