Speech and Acting Grade 8 - Period B (Boy Choir) Course Syllabus

WELCOME Welcome to 8th grade Speech and Acting! This is going to be a trimester filled with some wonderful writing and performance opportunities for you, the first of which will be your 8th grade assembly speech! This is an important and challenging event in your middle school career, but at this moment it might feel very overwhelming and scary. Don't worry - it's one step at a time and I'm here to help you on the "journey". Before you know it you'll be hearing the audience clap their hands in appreciative applause as you walk from the podium to your seat. Your speech is over and it was indeed a performance you can be proud of! But, before we delve too much into the speech, let's go over the nuts and bolts of the entire course. CLASS MEETING TIMES This course meets during C period two times a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. ARTS TRIMESTER DATES You have Speech and Acting during the first arts trimester, which begins on Tuesday, August 28 and ends on Tuesday, November 20. CURRICULUM EXPECTATIONS Every 8th grade student in Speech and Acting will be expected to: Complete all homework assignments and turn them in on time Choose an acceptable, interesting and approved topic for your 8th grade speech Write a first and final draft of your 8th grade speech Perform your speech as a graded practice performance for this class Perform your speech for the Middle School Assembly on your selected speech date Participate in all class improvisations activities in the speech and acting units Perform your role in your partnered acting scene for the class HOMEWORK Homework will be assigned in both the speech and acting units in class. Because we only meet twice a week you always have more than one night to complete the work assigned. Homework is expected to be turned in at the beginning of the period on the due date. My homework policy is as follows:

One day late	-20%
Two days late	-30%
Three or more days late	-40%

PERFORMANCES AND ASSESSMENTS The Practice Speech, Assembly Speech and Acting Scene are all graded performances. The speech performances are graded from a list of criteria, which includes eye contact, vocal expression and physical presence. These assessments are discussed in detail in class prior to the first group of practice and assembly speeches. The acting scene is graded with a performance rubric. CLASS BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS All 8th graders in this class are expected to follow the Middle School HARRT code as our standard of behavior expectations. . You should arrive in class both prepared and on time. . Gum is not allowed in class. . Cell phones, electronic games, etc are also not allowed and will be confiscated if visible. We're going to have a great trimester in Speech and Acting together! I'm so looking forward to having you in class and seeing the wonderful work you do! WELCOME! Mrs. Ellingboe