Speak Up: Public Speaking and Debate Weekly Competition Club for Beginners (Ongoing)
In this ongoing weekly club learners will develop public speaking and speech-writing skills, and beginning argumentation while debating in pairs or teams.
Rachel Warnecke, M.S., B.A. 20+ year teacher
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(43)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
Students should spend 30 minutes to one hour prior to class researching or find information about the Weekly Topic.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Beginner Level
Public speaking can be intimidating and a little scary. However, when we learn and practice these skills at a young age we develop confidence for any public speaking arena, whether it is talking to a friend or teacher, or in a large meeting. In this ongoing, weekly, drop-in club, we will begin each club meeting with a debate or public speaking lesson. Next, learners will be given a debate topic (They will vary widely, but will always be focused on a current event or real life situation!), placed in teams or pairs, and then use a coin toss to determine which side each they will debate. Teams will head into breakout rooms to develop their speeches. After this all of the learners will be brought back into the main room and the debate competition will begin with the judge (me!) picking the Weekly Club Debate Champion. Prior to each class students should look at the Weekly Topics (listed below) and come to class with a few facts or some information about the topic. I am an upbeat, energetic teacher who wants to teach students and help them succeed. Learners will enjoy sharing their opinions and working as a team in this fast-paced class. Upcoming Weekly Topics January 15-21 Water bottles should be banned. January 22-28 Students should not be given homework on weekends. January 29-February 4 The driving age should be lowered to 15. February 5-11 Is Pokemon Go good or bad?
Learning Goals
Students will learn public speaking and debate skills, teamwork, argument formation, persuasion, and continue to develop critical thinking skills.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Learners may be debating a side they may not necessarily choose. Understanding a different perspective is important when learning debate skills. It allows students to understand counter-arguments.
Supply List
Please have your learner bring a notebook, notecards, pen or pencil to club meetings.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2023
5.0
43reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have a Master's Degree in Communication, and Bachelor's degree in Speech/Theatre. I have been teaching and coaching speech, drama, and debate for nearly 25 years.
I have been named a Diamond Coach by the National Speech and Debate Association. I have had over 300 middle school and high National Speech and Debate Association quarter-finalists, semi-finalists, and finalists, along with 11 National Champions. I have had student finalists and champions at Harvard, Emory, Glenbrooks, George Mason, NIETOC, and the UK TOC. Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
3-10 learners per class
