Dear Parents,

We will begin our study of World War II and The Diary of Anne Frank on October 27. Students will do research on one aspect of World War II. We will use our resources at the Bret Harte library and computer lab, but students should avail themselves of other resources as well. The Almaden Library on Camden Ave. is an excellent source for materials. Students may bring their own related materials to school starting October 13, as class time from October 13-24 will be devoted to note-taking and organizing information. Beginning Monday, Oct. 27th, students will present a 5-8 minute speech on the topic they have prepared. They should use notecards that have an outline of their speech. They SHOULD NOT write out their speech word-for-word. They will be assigned a specific speech date, so they may bring their visual aid(s) on that particular date. They should “dress-up” since they are the teacher for that day.

The topic is ___________________________________________

Estimated Speech Date ___________________________________________

Please sign below. Include any questions or concerns you may have regarding this project or your child’s ability to complete it on time. Students will be given a loose outline form to follow, so please ask to see notecards or binder paper work during the dates indicated above. Your help and encouragement are vital top our successful completion of this project. Your daughter/son should practice the speech, incorporating an explanation of the visual aid, many times before the due date. This will lessen their chances of nervousness. Students will be graded on the following:

1. Outline and bibliography:

-typed or in ink on one side of paper

2. Speech:

-introduction/opening

-thesis statement

-supporting information

-conclusion

3. Visual aid:

-neatness and appropriateness

4. Delivery:

-expression

-diction

-posture

-eye contact

One final note: World War II is a particularly valuable subject to study because there are many people alive who experienced it firsthand. I believe that it is critical for us to capture and preserve these personal experiences while it is still possible because it is the composite of these experiences--this ‘primary source’ material--that actually creates the foundation for a true “history” of that time. I greatly encourage each student to research this assignment by interviewing someone who has firsthand knowledge/experience of the chosen topic. Thank you for your help.

Jim DeLong

________________________________

STUDENT’S NAME

________________________________

PARENT’S SIGNATURE

Please write any questions or concerns on the back.