1. Welcome to DEBATE MRS. SMITH BOSWELL HS ROOM L208

2. First up… o I am eager to get to know each of you more! We will do a ton of whole class speaking activities this year, but we will start with this.  On the Post It, write 2 truths about you that many people do not know. Then, write 1 lie. The goal is to have the class guess which are the truths and which is the lie, so be creative, but realistic.  You have 5 minutes to prepare before we share aloud.

4. 1.I love dachshunds! I have a male named Rider, and a female named Ellie. People say I’m slightly obsessed. 2.I have a twenty-month-old daughter named Sadie. She is the love of my life. I love my husband, too. 2.I have a twenty-month-old daughter named Sadie. She is the love of my life. I love my husband, too. 3.I majored in broadcast journalism, so I love keeping up with current events and exploring the creative side of writing and presenting. 4.This is my second year at Boswell, but my seventh year teaching English. I also teach debate. I love what I teach, and I am very passionate about learning anything new. 5.If you met a previous student of mine, he or she would say, “Mrs. Smith is strict, but she cares about her students and has a funny personality.” I like to have fun and joke around, but business comes first.

5. Classroom Rules 1) Show self-control and respect for others 2) Have all of your materials daily, and be seated before the start bell 3) Keep electronic devices in a zipped compartment unless given permission to use 4) No food or drink in this classroom 5) Be prepared to participate! *ALWAYS BE PREPARED. THERE ARE NO BATHROOM OR LOCKER PASSES, EXCEPT IN EXTREME SITUATIONS WITH PERMISSION

6. Classroom Procedures Enter the room quietly Begin on Warm-Up assignment if one is on the board Raise your hand to speak or ask a question during class Walk to the trash can to discard trash (do not aim and throw please) Class participation is necessary Keep electronic devices on silent and in a zipped compartment. Designated time will be given for research.

7. Consequences 1) Verbal warning 2) Move seats and phone call home 3) Sent to office with referral 4) Parent conference Severe disruptions = Immediate referral & office visit The student will make the phone call home for any failing grades at Progress Reports or Report Card time, along with any behavior issues

8. Participation, Group Work, & Devices  Participation is mandatory in a debate and public speaking course. Without it, you will not find success in this class.  There will be individual speeches, impromptu verbal presentations, and group debates, along with various whole class activities. Be prepared to share aloud and verbally express ideas. Major grades will be taken in this format.  Be prepared to work with others. Debate is not always an independent activity, and your success may depend upon your willingness to work with others.  Proper debating relies on research, both online and in the library. This means you can bring any electronic device available in order to conduct research, but, THEY MUST REMAIN IN A ZIPPED COMPARTMENT ON A DAILY BASIS.

9. Homework  You can expect to plan your speeches, debates, and presentations outside of class, as well as in class as time permits. There will be planning and research time given, but be prepared to plan your speeches and debates at home to be as successful as possible.  You need to find a way to stay up-to-date on current events on a daily basis. You are subject to class discussions, pop quizzes, and major presentations covering local, national, and world news. These are subject for daily grades and/or major grades.  Be in the know!

10. Dress Code  Dress Code on formal presentation days: As per the conventions of the National Forensics League, students will be expected to dress appropriately on days in which they will present a graded speech. Business dress Remember your audience and the topic No hats at any time

11. What Supplies Do I Need? Keep the following in the classroom: 1.) Two-pocket folder with brads 2.) 1-2 packages of wide-ruled notebook paper to keep in your folder 3.) 1-2 packages of notecards Have the following with you everyday: Pencil or pen (blue or black ink only for submitted assignments)

12. What If I’m Absent? It is the responsibility of the student to inquire about missed assignments, tests, and (especially) presentations. These will be made up during tutoring and do not go unnoticed. Missing work is given to absent students. A student may not elect not to present his or her speech, or participate in a debate. You are allowed one day to make-up daily assignments for each day missed in class, per the EMS- ISD handbook.

13. What Will We Do This Year?  Debate I will focus on the history of debate, historical figures recognized for public speaking, how and why people debate one another and in what contexts, and the growing competitive circuits of debate in the state of Texas and the nation. The course will prepare students to debate in a public format and focus on other areas of public speaking.  You will have independent speeches to plan and present. There will also be impromptu speeches issued. We will conduct debate tournaments in class, which involves small group and whole class work.

14. Remember…  Tutorials are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 8:30-9:00. Please check with me for additional times.  Please visit with me about anything going on with you that may (or may not) affect your debate classroom experience. I’m here for you!  Mrs. Smith’s Golden Rule: “ Having self-control means knowing you can, but choosing not to.”

15. Let’s get started with debate…  Electronic devices, such as cell phones, IPads, and laptops, will replace teachers in the next decade.  Line on one side if you agree. Begin a line facing the first line if you disagree.  Discuss why you chose your line. Use specific examples from your reality, literature, current events, etc.  Choose a representative to “square off” with the other group.