Congressional Debate and Speech Class for 4-5 Grade Students

While preparing students for upcoming speech tournaments held around the Bay Area, this class will introduce them to Congressional Debate. The class aims to simulate the U.S. Congress - either the House or the Senate - and gives students the chance to hone their skills while debating bills and resolutions of current events.

Congressional Debate classes focus on skills such as research, persuasive speaking, active listening, critical thinking, accurate and extensive note taking, and cross examination skills - all of which are integral to the course. Congressional Debate is the format which is the easiest to master, and we offer it as an introductory course for students with no prior experience in debate. Congressional Debate is usually a stepping stone to Lincoln-Douglas or Public Forum Debate. The advantage we have at Young Genius is that we tailor our classes to the group of students we are instructing. We work with each group of students adjusting to their level of ability and instructional needs. We are educators first, focusing on ethics, skills and knowledge, but we do offer students the opportunity to attend tournaments and to put what they have learned to the test. Students completing this course will also have that opportunity.

The instructor will cover interpretation, memorization, and the presentation of a published piece of work. Another speech format would be Original Oratory. In this format the student works on composing and presenting an original piece. The instructor will evaluate the strengths of each individual student and will pick a format that best suits that student’s interests.

More information at http://bayareadebate.com

Class 650-563-4261 408-384-2419

Register for Spring session, March-May 31 Young Genius classes at

http://www.bayareadebate.com/2015-16_School_Year.html