This week were are starting the 4 week speech writing unit in level 5. The Red bordered page says "choose a topic from those listed on the Loom (or Writing Aids)..." But the only thing I found on the Loom was in the Writing Teacher's Guide, and it says on page 26 that "historical topics for speeches are suggested in the Student Activity Pages." Am I missing the topics somewhere? My daughter wants to do hers on Pompeii, but I am reading about how these are supposed to be persuasive speeches, and I haven't yet thought of a way to make Pompeii persuasive. Thanks!

Here are the Level 4-5 topic suggestions:

1. The Early Christians Were Brave--Why?
This speech should focus on the early martyrs and the sustaining grace that God gave them. Students can link the experiences of the early church to our experiences as American christians.

2. Persecution in the Early Church--Who, What, When, Where, and Why?
This speech should focus on the facts of persecution. The student doesn't need to focus on gore as much as on types of persecution (arena, societal, governmental, religious, etc.), as well as where persecutions occurred.

3. Early Missionaries: What We Can Learn From Them
Paul, Barnabas, Epaphroditus, Timothy, and Luke, as well as others, traveled throughout the Roman empire spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. This speech should inform the audience of the difficult conditions of travel and preaching in the ancient world.

Blessings,

Thank you very much!

I am wondering where these topics are. I have searched the forum and have not found the answer to that - if they are on the Loom, the Teacher's Notes, Writing Aids, or Student Activity Pages, where are they? Thanks!

Since we started Unit 4 this fall, we are starting speeches in level 5 now. My son does not want to do a history topic but something he is interested in: skydiving. Dana, or anyone, should I make him do a history topic, in your opinion?
TIA,
Ann

Dear Ann,

I'd be inclined to let him choose his own topic at the beginning of the school year. My reasoning with my younger writers is that they are still getting "warmed up" to writing again after the summer break. By the second semester, I require them to do more writing on history topics.

Also, with which topic do you think he will learn more about speech writing?

Blessings,

Thank you Susan. I appreciate an objective view. Ann

I too am curious where the speech topics are listed. Is this something that was part of the Writing Aids extra, or am I just not looking in the right place in the main parts of the curriculum? Can someone illuminate? Thanks!

They are found on the Loom for Year 1 under "Corrections."

Happy speechwriting!
Monica