At Aberdeen Hall we feel that exposing students to a variety of speech arts is important in developing their confidence and character.  As early as preschool, our students are encouraged to participate in class discussions and a variety of public speaking activities.  K-2 students help lead assemblies, create thoughtful speeches based on research essays, and participate in informal classroom debates on a daily basis.  The grade 4 students participate in our annual “Speech Arts Day”, in which they too present speeches to their peers and are judged by a formal panel of teachers and administrators.  Grade 5-9 students also take part in our week dedicated to speech arts, and participate in a competition comprised of persuasive speeches, expository speeches, and Shakespeare interpretations. 

Our annual spelling bee is an exciting time of year also, in which each student in the school is encouraged to speak publicly and show off their dedication to our spelling programme.  Furthermore, a variety of dramatic performances are practiced and conducted throughout the school year, and include stage productions, musicals, monologues, and informal skits.  Teachers emphasize speech arts in many aspects of their lessons.  Activities range from expert presentations, tableau, role playing, monologue, and readers theatre.  Recently we have initiated a digital film club, which incorporates elements of speech arts as well.  At Aberdeen Hall we think that it is important to expose students of all ages to speech arts and public speaking in general, as we believe it helps build the confidence that children need to become well spoken, articulate individuals later in life.