Simulated Congressional Hearing Coaching Training

Who’s here? Please share: Your name Your child’s name and homeroom Your experience with Congressional Hearings or Simulated Congressional Hearings (SCH)

Qualifications for a Great Coach: 1.Show up- just being there is a huge help 2.Be supportive and encouraging 3.Be able to work a stop watch

Overview of Content

Grouping Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 1 Unit 2 Mrs. Smith’s Class

Unit Questions Follow-up Questions

Student Resource Books

Coaching Tips You could be helping the students on their: Prepared Statements Follow-up Questions Presentation Preparation

Coaching Tips Prepared Statement Prepared Statements (speeches/testimonies): Research their topics Locate relevant current events articles Dividing the speech equally Speak loud and clear

Remind students that the prepared oral statement should… 1. Have a strong, interesting beginning that will grab audience’s attention. 2. Answer all the assigned unit questions. 3. Display an expert understanding of how the U.S. Constitution relates to the unit. 4. Include supporting evidence in the form of historical facts and current events. 5. Use correct capitalization, usage of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. 6. Last no longer than four minutes when read aloud. Coaching Tips Prepared Statement

Coaching Tips Follow-up questions Encourage full explanations Locate relevant current events Encourage all students to share their findings/opinions

Coaching Tips Presentation Creative introductions “Secret” Signal Professional language Facilitate a discussion on: - How can the students appear and act professionally? - How can the students look like a team?

Coaching Tips Preparation Make sure each group member has: A highlighted copy of speech “Study guide” for the follow-up questions

Helpful Hints  Remain positive and encouraging as you work with the students  Remember that each student is unique and has their own strengths  Positive ideas trump negative feedback  Encourage all students to participate  Facilitate and help students to work cooperatively  Encourage discussion of current events related to their questions.

Timeline  August/Sept.Select SCH dates  August-April Teaching Content  April/MayHold Kickoff & Training  MayStudent Preparations  Gather Resources (Big 6)  Write speech  Prepare for follow-up questions  Work on speaking/listening skills  May-JuneSCH

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