Minimum Class Size: 10

Maximum Class Size: 18

Midterm Enrollment: Yes

Class Time: 6th hour (2:30-3:25)

Prerequisite: Must have basic reading and writing skills.

Estimated homework hours: 1

Required Materials or Books:

• pencils

Class Description:  Do you have a drama queen (or king) in your home that needs an outlet?  How about a quiet child that needs to build confidence to speak in front of a group?  Have you wanted to work on the skills of public speaking or memorizing poetry, but it always seems to take a back seat to the more important school subjects?  Well, I can relate!  That’s why I decided to teach this class! 

Students will learn the basics of public speaking, acting, and scriptwriting as well as grow in appreciation for the spoken word through poetry.  In the area of public speaking, we will work on techniques such as eye contact, stance, projection, enunciation, and facial expressions.  In the area of drama, we will learn about blocking, stage presence, pantomime, characterization, scriptwriting, using props and more!  In the area of poetry, we will be reading, writing and reciting many different types of poetry including haikus, clerihews, couplets, limericks, cinquains and more!

Each month students will be encouraged to participate in a presentation such as an interview, a commercial, a “how-to” demonstration, a news report, etc. to showcase the skills that we are learning in class.  Students will also have the opportunity to share poetry aloud--original pieces as well as chosen selections.  We will focus on one or two skills at a time, and positive feedback will be given by the students and teacher.

We will divide our class time each week between enjoying fun games and exercises (that teach important skills), working on our monthly presentations, and studying poetry.  About half of each class period, we will be up and moving!

Teacher Information:  Rhonda Bunce graduated from Baylor University with a BS degree in Education with specializations in Early Childhood and Speech Communications. She taught 2nd grade in public schools, taught drama to children and youth at church, seminars, and Waco Baptist Academy, and is returning for her 6th year at the Brazos Valley Co-op.  Rhonda is a homeschooling mom of 3 including a high school son, middle school daughter, and 2nd grade daughter.  She really enjoys the elementary grades and loves poetry and anything dramatic.