May 18 and 19

Working on debates, which begin tomorrow. Also, we gave some awards.

May 6

Don't forget that manuscripts are due tomorrow and speeches start Tuesday. MEMORIZE!

May 6

Worked on manuscripts and following assignment: read speech on page 347(9) and write seven examples of motivation (Maslow's needs or appeals listed in book).

May 5

Worked on outlines and manuscripts.

May 4

Today, we started with a bell ringer, then we discussed all of the Appeals to Emotions. We heard a speech and wrote another bell ringer, indicating which emotions were targeted in the speech. Then, we worked on the outlines for your speeches, which are due TOMORROW. The manuscripts are due on Wednesday.

April 30

We have been presenting our speeched on the researched topics, but we do have a blog posted, which is due Friday.

April 22

Today, we read the blogs and went over ideas for visual aids for the speeches. Then, we did charades (gestures) for topics related to Earth Day! Manuscripts (and the rest) are due tomorrow!

April 20 and 21

Monday, you went to the library to work on research for the speeches. Today, we did a review of chapters 9, 10, and 11. The test will be on Friday. The marked manuscript is now due Thursday. Speeches will begin on Monday.

April 15

Today, we did TWO bell ringers...because you love them SO much! One was about the types of Speeches to Inform; the other was about the organizational patterns. We also looked at the book to discuss integration of data and development. Finally we watched the speeches of Malcomn X, Nixon, and RFK. Tomorrow, you should have your speech topic for the Researched speech.

Later...

April 13

Today, we did a bell ringer. Then, we watched FDR's speech and evaluated it using the Criterion-Reference Evaluation Form.

April 8

Today, we started with a bell ringer about Guidelines for evaluating speeches. Then, Mrs. Stallman gave a speech to entertain...which led to a discussion about coaching. THEN, we practiced listening skills, articulation, impromptu speaking, and watching for nonverbal gestures while engaging in a variety of activities..........

April 6

We started the Speeches to Entertain. We should finish up tomorrow.

April 3

Today, we did a bell ringer regarding the section on Answering Questions, then worked on perfecting manuscripts and outlines for our speeches, which begin Monday. Also, the extra credit assignment is due Monday, which is to write three possible topics for all six groups on page 163, #3. For each topic, you need to write a list of three main points you would make for each.

April 2

Bell ringer...then work in groups on assignment: For two of the topics given from page 162-163, students must write three purpose statements and three thesis statements. Also, feedback given for manuscripts. Speeches begin Monday.

April 1

Sub plan: chapter nine anticipation guide and read chapter. Extra credit: page 163 - write three possible topics for each group in number 3. Finish manuscript.

MArch 31

Sub plan: work on manuscript and outlines.

March 30

Bell ringer...then work on speech to Entertain. Also, note given for formal outline.

March 19

Today, each student made a study sheet for Chapters 5-8 because the test is tomorrow (FRIDAY)! Some of the chapter notes are linked to the home page...study!

March 17

We spent the first 30 minutes organizing binders. Then, we continued reading and analyzing the Desert Storm speech. Finally, we start giving impromptu speeches using the various methods we have been learning.

March 16

After the bell ringer, we started going through the speech on Desert Storm. Groups decided/clicker voted on which methods of making language memorable were used. Don't forget that there is a blog posted...and bell ringer are due Wednesday!

March 12

On Thursday, you had a sub...and missed me! You had to assignments: to complete a worksheet identifying various methods of making language memorable (such as allusion, antithesis, etc) and to read the speech about Desert Storm on page 426 and identify (on paper) seven examples of the methods.

March 11

First, we read the blog posts and highlighted (with my cool tool) the words or phrases that conveyed that tone. Then, we played Guestures for the last few minutes.

March 10

After skipping the bell ringer, we went right to work on Ch 7, where we learned about making language memorable. After we finished the chapter, we worked on different tones by playing Dinner Party! So much fun! Don't forget to BLOG tonight!

March 6

Speeches are almost complete...don't forget that the contest is Tuesday during A and B.

March 5

Rotary speeches ROCK...and will continue to do so tomorrow. See you behind the podium...er crate?

March 4

Work on those speeches...they start tomorrow!!!

March 3

Today, after the bell ringer, we did paired reading for Ch 7 and discussed dialect. Then, we watched Will's speech on academy. Tomorrow, the manuscripts for the Four-Way Test is DUE. Some more ideas are...driving age, curfew (law or parental rule), should children have cell phones and what age, cell phone use in schools, hats in schools, school uniforms, should young children have access to computers, should young children play video games, dating age for girls, dating age for boys, age for consideration of statutory rate, age level for sex education, summer reading as a requirement, working age, should teachers be paid based on effectiveness, should teacher be let go based on seniority when cuts are made, should students be able to choose schedule (arena scheduling), should you have to "Tryout" for sports, etc

March 2

Today we began with a bell ringer about graceful speeches. We then did some paired reading to look at Chapter Seven on language. We discussed ethics of using language to persuade, mislead, etc. We also looked at what "appropriate language" means in speeches (see speech spotlight). Finally, we discussed the Rotary Speeches again. Check out the web site for more details. A great idea (for those still needing one...) is the idea of blogging as a way to communicate for teachers, students, and parents.

Feb 26 and Feb 27

Yesterday, we finished the speeches, which were AWESOME. Everyone did really well for the first official speech (I think it is because of the fantastic speech teacher!) Today, everyone did a self-evaluation based on the speech rubric. You all reflected on what went well and what you need to work on. We discussed this as a class to determine the direction of our practices for next speech...which is the Rotary Speech Contest. We talked today about the possible topics for this. Remember that the focus should be the SOLUTION and how it relates to the four tests. You can access the web site for this contest on your homepage. Monday's assignment is to come to class with your topic written out on paper (just your idea or ideas). We finished class today by witnessing Mario's recitations for his POL in two weeks. He ROCKS! Finally, here a "re-do" of the communication model lesson, since I seemed to have lost the first one! Have fun watching and listening!

Feb 25

We witnessed some awesome speeches...and will witness more tomorrow!

Feb 24

After doing a bell ringer that asked about different gestures and the messages they send, we looked at the chapter on nonverbal communication. We then practiced our speeches, which begin TOMORROW! Don't forget to think about eye contact and posture.

Feb 20

Students completed the note cards of the hobby speeches. They also added three gestures to the note cards and began practicing. After a short time, the students watched the POL competition on V-Brick while Mrs. Stallman slowly began losing a battle with a PDF file, which led to her minor emotional breakdown. After some INTRAPERSONAL communication, however, she was able to regain control and will be back to her normal self on Tuesday ;-)

Have a nice weekend.

P.S. Speeches start Wednesday...but come prepared to practice HARD-CORE on Tuesday!

Feb 19

Sub - Students worked to complete the manuscript and note cards for the hobby speeches.

Feb 13

Today, we started with a bell ringer about communication on Valentine's Day. That led to the discussion of teens' ridiculous "communication levels" of dating. Anyways, we then read the blogs and talked about words that are difficult and fun to articulate. Finally, we read the section on impromptu delivery. Students took turns giving a one-minute impromptu speech on Valentine's Day topics. Have a nice weekend!

Feb 12

Students speaking silly sounds sounded super silly. Today, we practiced tongue twisters and talked about the beginning of Chapter Five, which discusses voice and articulation. We blew on rubber bands and spend time practicing various sounds. What fun! Speech class rocks...but not according to Dorian, who no longer likes it. Wait, I have to be sad. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Okay...I'm done. Hee, hee. Just kidding. Dorian is the King of Articulation! And I am so proud to announce that our class produced such FINE representatives at the POL last night...AND the WINNER AND RUNNER-UP. Congratulations Mario and Kyle. Let's support them by traveling to Columbus! Whoo-hoo! Don't forget to blog!!!

Feb 11

After listing to our contestants in the AUD., we came back to class to demonstrate how awesome we are...by taking the test for Unit One. Don't forget that the POL bonus paper is due Friday. Catch you later taters...

Feb 10

We started with our skits today...well, after Kevin's heartbreaking story. For the skits, we analyzed the situation (sender, receiver, etc). Then, we finished the end of Chapter Four, which was about improving our listening skills. POL winners practiced while we worked on our study sheets for tomorrow's TEST, which covers Unit One (chapters 1-4). Those going to POL can write a one-page response analyzing the situation, specifically any interference, for 10 bonus points.

Out.

Feb 9

Okay...crazy, wild, won't-ever-stop-talking class...today we did a bell ringer to start the class (surprised?) But the REALLY exciting part was how I played with my new-found tool of having the CPS randomly choose a student to share! Yea! Then, we got in groups and used our clickers to ARGUE about whether we agreed or disagreed with some statements regarding the levels of listening. And I totally EMPATHIZE with those of you who were "shut down" on your theories...HA. Finally, we created skits which we will perform tomorrow to have the rest of the class analyze in terms of the communication model. How fun!

Feb 5

Okay...here is the "official" report of today's class. The POL representative for our class is Kevin. Congratulations! After the competition (and Rose's and Mrs. Stallman's beautiful recitations as well), we worked on a bell ringer. The bell ringer then led us to read/understand the notes from Chapter Two on the levels of communication. While learning these particular levels, we also put some of them into practice. While simultaneously working on minimizing our stage fright, we investigated various channels of communication (nonverbal as well as verbal) that included telephones, messengers, letters, chanting, noisemaking, etc. We also witnessed how "body language" works to communicate in various ways (sometimes rhythmically). Kurt, again, practiced his tone and voice inflection by reciting his poem. I believe, at some point, the "wave" was involved as well to show how the audience could provide feedback as part of the "feedback" loop.

Tomorrow will be business as usual...

Feb 4

Whoa...it is a close one. After a FOUR-WAY tie in our class competition, the poets are off to practice some more...and PERFECT their recitations. Ohhhh...it is a nail-biter! Oh, by the way...the school competition is WEDNESDAY next week. My bad, peeps.

Out

Feb 2

Believe it or not, you DID do a bell ringer today...check it. You also witnessed some awesome poetry recitation. While Mrs. Stallman was away learning cool stuff, you practiced your poems so that your competition will rock the house (or classroom?) Who's gonna win??????????

;-)

Jan 30

Today, everyone agreed that the movie Fireproof is undoubtedly the best movie EVER. Ha, ha. We started out will a bell ringer...then spent some time practicing our poems so that we can ROCK the house during the competition next week. Each student recited at least four lines for a homework grade. We also watched the Poetry Out Loud video to see how the winners from last year performed. After Dorian assured us that he would give us a "shout-out" when he wins this year, we reluctantly left class to face the tortures of fourth block...

Practice your poem in front of the mirror this weekend...

Jan 29

After doing an incredibly fun bell ringer that allowed us to discuss using different tones in different situations, we looked at the chapter on VOICE to examine things such as emphasis, intensity, pausing, framing, articulation, volume, and pitch. We also practiced our poems using our determined TONES and practiced (hopefully) gestures, facial expressions, etc. For homework, don't forget to BLOG and MEMORIZE two more lines of the poem!

Over and out...

Jan 27

Today we did a bell ringer (check it!), then did some fun clicker questions to practice analyzing the context of speeches! We then talked about poetry out loud...which thrilled you all! Tonight, you must blog for homework AND print out at least one poem to use for next week's speech. The link to find the poems is on our home page! Have a good night!

Jan 26

Today, started with bell ringer (check bell ringer page!). Then, each student worked on a list of definitions for chapter two key terms based on prior knowledge. We started digging into the text to discover how close we were on our definitions, and we also began drawing some awesome diagrams for communication models...we had just finished discussing CONTEXT when we concluded class. I posted a new blog for the students to begin working on...due Wednesday. Have a nice evening!!!