Speech Students Focus On Oral Interpretation

For the culmination of Eng. II: Speech, students focused on oral interpretation. After selecting a piece of literary merit (poem, chapter in the Bible, children’s book), students were given the choice to interpret the work in a variety of ways to a variety of audiences (see the graphic below). After selecting a reading and an audience, students spent time developing their speaking voice (pitch, speaking rate, vocal variety, enunciation, etc.) with resources from Toastmasters International that English Teacher Maya Kehr Yoder modeled through practice videos. On the last day of school, Speech students watched a compilation of their performances before ending the year with a self-reflection, course reflection, and closing blessing and prayer. “Many students chose to read books to their siblings or cousins. It was such a joy to see my students in a context beyond the classroom. It’s clear that many of them are patient and kind older siblings,” said Kehr Yoder. “I was impressed by their creativity as well.” #hillcrestunited