Leaving a Legacy: Speaking on Special Occasion

With only three weeks left in the first semester, I find myself reflecting on what was learned. In disbelief that the calendar has so quickly turned, I want to make the most of the precious few weeks that we have left. Teaching seniors is a very rewarding experience because I have the opportunity to bear witness to the major life changes and choices they make during this season of their lives. With so much excitement and hope for the future, I strive to create memories and moments that will help them find their voices and purpose in life. As they question what is in store for them, I hope to anchor them to the lessons learned in their past, challenge them to define their beliefs, and find the passions that will guide them to their futures.

During the final unit of the semester entitled "Legacy," we explore special occasion speeches. The culmination of the unit involves students choosing an occasion, either present or future for which to give a speech. Often, students elect to deliver tribute speeches to honor coaches, teachers, and family members who have helped them reach their senior year of high school. Some students choose to craft wedding toasts and eulogize their classmates, who inevitably have reached some untimely and fictitious demise. 

Before we deliver our final speeches, I spend some time exploring different speech exercises, including watching TED talks that relate to gratitude and listening to "This I Believe Essays" to glean inspiration from as students are asked to express their values and beliefs in written and oral formats. After students listen to a few essays, discuss their contents, and have an opportunity to explore the website, they craft their own essays, which they will read aloud.

Following the essay exercise, they begin to draft their special occasion speech, which will take us through the end of the month and into the holiday season. Expressing gratitude, reflecting on joyous occasions, and dreaming of the future allow students to apply their speaking prowess in a culminating and memorable way. 

On the very last day of the semester, I surprise them with one last impromptu speech - a tribute to their classmates. Walking into class, they will select a name. They will have five minutes to prepare a speech about a classmate, celebrating that person's success and growth as a speaker. The student who was the subject of the previous speech becomes the speaker, a process that continues until everyone has received recognition. There is quite a bit to cover in these next few weeks. I look forward to guiding my seniors as they find the words to express their gratitude and share their passions with their peers and the world beyond my doors.