What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1 hour per week. occasionally students will need to do outside research and topic preparationAssessment
Students will share out mind maps for reflection Some in class polls/ debates / class discussionsClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
This is an on-going 55 minute club that meets once a week. Guided by a debate coach with ten years experience in the National Forensics League, this club teaches the basics of debate, puBlic speaking, and research (to hone in on arguments). Topics covered will be some current events--mostly driven by student request. Topics that will NOT be debated: abortion, legalization of marijuana or any other drugs, or anything having to do with gender/ sexuality. What is taught: Skills aligned with Common Core English Language Arts Standards for rhetoric, research, and public speaking. STRUCTURE/ METHODLOGY: . Warm-Up: CHAT DEBATE! Then: QUICK JOT: current issues poll & reflection activity (5 – 7 minutes); Maximum classroom instruction: text/ video examination and discussion (10 minutes); debate activity: 30 minutes; recap lesson and objectives (5-7 minutes) Breakout rooms are used occasionally for collaboration/ teaming activities.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to:
analyze textual evidence for logicall falacies
cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an argument
determine the best structure for a claim-data-warrant speech given time restrictions
analyze how a work of nonfiction uses persuasive techniques to convey an idea
determine the meaning of words and phrases and how they are used in a text
speak to a group or small group
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students are researching their own topics. Topics covered will be some current events--mostly driven by student request. Topics that will NOT be debated: abortion, legalization of marijuana or any other drugs, or anything having to do with gender/ sexuality.
Supply List
1. access to a research/ search engine like Google or Google Scholar 2. colored pens & pencils (suggested but not required) 3. colored post-its (suggested but not required) 4. Paper or tablet writer for taking notes/ jotting speeches
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Bachelor's Degree in English from Kennesaw State University
-I have been a speech and debate coach for over 10 years in the state of Georgia, USA (a highly competitive debate circuit)
-I was awarded "Coach of Distinction" by the National Forensics League in 2009
-To teach a high school level course, I have the expertise of teaching English Language Arts in a public high school in the United States for 15 years
-I have won Teacher of the Year multiple times
-I am currently certified with the National Council for Teacher of English
-I am currently certified to teach English Language Arts Level T-7 (Highly Qualified) under the Georgia Professional Standards Commission from 2007 - 2022; certification to be renewed 2026
-I have a BS in English Education from Kennesaw State University
-I have taught this material through the Johns Creek Student Leadership Council for three years to students from middle school (grade 6) to high school (grade up to 12) high school
Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 223 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
3-12 learners per class