A Message from Heather Floros at C. Milton Wright High School:

 

We are in need of volunteers, with experience in the field of Law, to present in my Honors English I classes; I’m hoping you are willing and able to help as we study argument. Currently, students in Honors English I are reading To Kill a Mockingbird and studying rhetoric. As a way to connect their reading and their writing, as well as to put a real-world twist on their writing, students will be crafting a closing argument for a mock-trial.  The class will be deciding who will be put on trial for the murder of Tom Robinson, a character in Harper Lee’s novel. Each will need to decide to either defend or prosecute the person chosen, and they will need to write and present their closing argument to the class (either in person or on video).  They will need to support their arguments with convincing evidence from the text, and they may also use any research they complete on any issues related to this case.

As students begin to prepare their closing arguments, it would invaluable for them to hear from guest speakers who have experience with this type of writing and speaking.  You’d be acting as a type of “guest coach.” I’d like to arrange for speakers to present on what makes an effective closing argument, offer suggestions and tips for preparation, answer student questions about the process, and perhaps even offer examples of this type of writing.  This year, I’d also like to add in an extra opportunity for students to work with you, the experts. I’m hoping that you will be willing to further work with students in small groups to hear or examine the drafts of their closing arguments before they submit their final version, giving them some feedback on the strength of their argument and perhaps some extra tips on presentation and delivery.

If you possess this type of experience and expertise and would like to help us, the following are the dates and times we need filled. I have 5 sections of Honors English I this year, so there are many times open; you are welcome to volunteer for one or as many openings as will fit your schedule. On the days and times available under the “small group work” heading, it would be wonderful to have 3-4 people available to work with several groups of students at the same time.   I have 5 sections of Honors English I this year, so there are many times open; you are welcome to volunteer for one or as many openings as will fit your schedule.

Introduction:  elements an effective closing argument, suggestions/tips for preparation, examples, student Q&A,
February 10
*    7:50-9:00
*    11:35-12:30
February 13
*    9:20-10:30
*    11:35-12:30
*    12:45-1:50

Small group work: review drafts of students’ closing arguments, feedback on the strength of their argument, tips on presentation and delivery.
February 27
*    9:20-10:30
*    12:45-1:50
February 28
*    7:50-9:00
*    11:35-12:30
*    12:45-1:50

Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to present for one or more of these sessions. If you have any questions or need any further details, don’t hesitate to ask. If you are not able to present, but know someone who might be, please feel free to pass on this email and my contact information.  Thank you for all you do to support the students at CMW. I look forward to hearing from you. My students are very excited about the opportunity to work with you.

Sincerely,
Heather Floros
Heather.floros@hcps.org
443-643-6643

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