In January 2020, Grade 3 students led by Mrs. Bratt prepared and delivered Chautauqua speeches on historical figures of their choice. In this process, Grade 3 students were introduced to research tasks, built public speaking skills within their class, and learned about notable people from history. In the process of doing so, they were also able to have fun dressing up as and getting into the character of their chosen person. The students delivered first-person, 3-5 minute speeches on their chosen figure to their class and family members. Two speeches were then chosen to be presented in front of the entire Lower and Middle School at a Campus Meeting.
Mrs. Bratt explains the concept of Chautauqua in the following way on the assignment sheet:
"Chautauqua is an oral tribute, presented in the first person and in costume for the era, to a deceased person of good moral character who has done outstanding things that have benefited society as a whole." Additionally, students were asked "to choose people who are already well known, but to research someone in an area of interest to them that they would like to know more about."
It was clear to see just how much the students were able to have fun with this project. They gave detailed accounts of their character's lives while delivering their speeches in an excited, practiced way. When answering questions, it became clear that the students had done their work, often having no issues responding.
Thank you, Mrs. Bratt, for managing such an intriguing and successful project!