forensics

As you know, I teach music in fifth grade. I am also in the process of taking over the forensics program at St. Jacobi. In the past, fifth grade has not done forensics. We are not taking part in an actual competition, but I am trying to bridge them to sixth grade, when they will be competing for the first time. Last year, in fourth grade, we touched on it a little bit when they read a picture book to the class. This year I am taking a little time from music to help them get closer to the real thing. Yesterday I gave them an assignment. They are to choose a book that they have read and enjoyed, and prepare a section of it, about 3 minutes long, to read to the class. They also must prepare an introduction that needs to be memorized. Next year, the selections need to be between 3:30 and 4:30 in length, but I don't have that much time with them. This will give them practice choosing a selection, timing themselves, reading with expression, and writing an introduction, which can be one of the most difficult parts. For the month of January, Mrs. Flanagan, from Wisco, will be teaching music on Wednesdays, and I will be using Fridays for the forensics. In addition, Mr. Scharf has giving me permission to submit a reading grade for this, so doing a good job on it will be worthwhile for the students. I am posting this as a reminder to the students and to inform the parents.