Participation in speech and debate improves students' confidence and hones their creative and academic abilities. Our outreach effort started in the 2007-2008 school year and includes groups from Grand Rapids, Lansing, East, Lansing, and Ann Arbor. We have served grades 4th-8th but are open to high schools participating too. Our main orientation is to develop local participation opportunities so the activity doesn't cost so much and can serve more students. Contact Shawn Batt if you would like support getting a club going at your school and also hear about tournament opportunities.
Students can compete in Team Debate, Oral Interpretation, Original Prose & Poetry, and Improvisation. Sometimes other events are available. We are flexible and willing to connect and collaborate.
The main benefits of speech activities are academic improvement (critical thinking, listening, language use, reading, note-taking, etc.), increased confidence, and fun. Contrary to many other modes of learning, speech competition naturally promotes direct student awareness and experience of each other’s performances. Students also learn from timely, authentic, and direct feedback on their efforts from unrelated and unaffiliated judges.
Ways to Participate. Anyone interested in getting involved can participate by performing in any of these roles and more: Coaching, Judging or Observing, Event Planning and Administration, Recruiting (new clubs and new students), Topic Development and Research, Instructional Support (in class), and Advice. Even simply talking about and publicizing this program to others can be helpful.
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Next Tournament Info:
MacDonald Middle School, East Lansing, March 11, 2017. DETAILS
Contact
shawnbatt@gmail.com
734-531-9209
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