8th Grade Speech/Debate

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Syllabus

Teacher: Mrs. Helm
Office Location: Room 42
Plan Period: A2 & B2 - 10:15-11:45
Office Phone: 843-0888
Email: cjhelm@okcps.org
Website: www.biems.org > faculty > Carrie Helm – Contains announcements, assignments and other important information
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
8^th grade speech/debate is a course designed to expand knowledge of public speaking and argumentation skills. Students will discover advanced communication and research skills, experience mock trial debate, and participate in other speaking styles including impromptu, extemporaneous, informative and entertainment. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a weekend novice speech/drama competition. This is a super fun experience and I highly recommend it!

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO:
1. Perform alone and in groups.
2. Exhibit appropriate audience behavior (in class & during performances).
3. Turn in required written work prior to performance.
4. View famous speeches/debates and complete accompanying assignment.
5. Research topics through the library, internet, television news, magazines and newspapers.
6. Participate in all class activities, discussions and debates.
7. Keep and maintain a notebook containing all warm-ups, assignments, notes, & handouts.
8. Complete specific exercises and assignments and turn in on time.

NECESSARY SUPPLIES: BRING THESE TO EACH CLASS PERIOD.
1. Folder/binder for keeping materials organized
2. Loose-leaf notebook paper
3. Pencil or blue/black pen

CLASSROOM RULES:
1. We will value one another as unique individuals.
2. We will recognize every effort and applaud it.
3. We will help one another whenever possible.
4. We will use good manners and audience etiquette for all performances.
5. We will help things run smoothly by following classroom procedures.
6. We will cheer each other to success!

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:
1. Sit in your assigned seat and begin working immediately on the warm-up activity.
2. File warm-ups, assignments, graded work and notes in the appropriate sections of your notebook.
3. Homework and other completed assignments are to be placed in your class’ file box.
Consequences will be in alignment with the BIEMS Discipline Plan utilizing the mark system.

GRADING POLICY:
A total point system will be used for grading in this class. There will be plenty of opportunities to earn the grade you want, but you will have to work. Every point counts, so it is important that you attempt each assignment; some points are always better than none at all.

Grades are based on the following criteria:
1. Participation & Preparation – student will participate in daily class activities, exercises and discussions; student will arrive to class with all necessary materials (notebook, pencil, paper, assignment). This includes being prepared for in-class speeches or debates. 20 participation/preparation points are available each class period.
2. Assignments – written and performance-based assignments or tests

TESTS:
The following procedure will be followed regarding written test-taking.
1. Students will receive a reminder and basic information two class periods before the written test.
2. Students will receive a detailed review one class period before the written test.
3. Students who are absent on one of the above days will still be held responsible for taking the test as scheduled.
4. Students who are absent on both days will be responsible for getting the information when they return and taking the test during the next class.
5. Students who are present for both days, but absent for the test will be responsible for taking the test upon returning to class.

ATTENDANCE:
We need you in class! BIEMS Speech/Debate is a team and it is difficult to be successful without you. We will be doing something new and different all the time and if you are absent you could fall behind. Please check the agenda upon returning to find out what you missed and/or need to make up.

TARDIES:
3 tardies = mark! Don’t be tardy. It is a silly reason to get a mark and you will have to make up the warm-up on your own time. Besides, why would you want to miss one second of SPEECH and DEBATE??!! Tardies will only be excused with a note from the appropriate authority.

BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE!
• NO GUM!! Even if you are a veteran gum-chewer, this class is physical and we do plenty of speaking. You never want to give a speech with gum in your mouth – it makes you look less intelligent. More importantly, the risk of sucking it down the wrong tube is just too great. The idea of me sticking my hand in your throat or performing the Heimlich maneuver should be motivation enough. :)
• CHECK YOUR AGENDA! Notification of all due dates will be posted on the agenda each day. Write the agenda down each day. Don’t come into class and say you didn’t know there was an assignment.
• COME SEE ME! If you are having trouble with anything, please chat with me about it. There is always a positive solution to the problem and I am happy to help you find it.