Welcome to Speech Communication Mr. VanWestervelt 2016-2017

Five Things About Mr. VW Graduated from Towson U (undergraduate) and Goucher College (graduate) with an emphasis on writing, teaching, and publishing; Has taught at Centennial since 2003; has been teaching grades 5  graduate level since 1987; Is a Teacher-Consultant with the National Writing Project; Lives in Towson with his wife and 3 kids; and Was a columnist for the Towson Times, has written two novels, and has published hundreds of articles on parenting, writing, education, mindfulness, creativity, and publishing.

The Focus 3-Fold focus to prepare students to speak and communicate confidently in and beyond school Understand your goals and intentions Understand your target audience Understand your own strengths and identify your weaknesses

Achieving The Goal Of Our Focus Through the Curriculum Writing and presenting effective speeches to target audiences Competing in debates (Policy format) with fully developed affirmative and negative cases Developing podcasts and TedTalk-like presentations Applying the skills learned to everyday situations where effective communication is necessary

Mr. VW’s Website and Contact Information www.chswingspan.wordpress.com (Wingspan) www.chsrvw.wordpress.com (School) www.baltimorewriter.wordpress.com (Writing) rvanwestervelt@hcpss.org (Email)