TESSERACT FIFTH-GRADERS TACKLE TOUGH TOPICS
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—May 10, 2011—It is not surprising to have Arizona Senate Bill 1070 (SB 1070) and whether or not police officers should be permitted to check the citizenship and immigration status of individuals come up in conversation. But, it may be surprising to hear those conversations occurring among fifth-grade students, which is exactly what is happening at Tesseract School on Wednesday, May 11 during the fifth-grade debates.
“I love the fifth-grade debates, because they give the students an opportunity to practice their public speaking skills and learn more about a topic that is relevant and in the news; they also give a teamwork aspect to an academic concept,” said Ted Strickland, fifth- and sixth-grade language arts educator.
Part of the school’s fifth-grade language arts curriculum, every year a current topic in the news is chosen and then researched by the students in preparation for the fifth-grade debates. Tesseract’s fifth-graders are then divided into four teams to debate both sides of the chosen topics. Each student has a part in the debates and will give a 90-second speech on an aspect of his or her side of the topic.
“It is extremely challenging for the students to debate this or any other issue as they must have a deep understanding of both sides to be able to argue confidently and in response to the other side’s points--all under time-pressure,” noted Nigel Taplin, head of Tesseract School. “The fifth-grade debates are a wonderful example of how our students are actively involved in their education, by researching a current topic, exploring its different aspects, and preparing for a meaningful and thoughtful exchange of ideas with their peers—in front of their educators and parents—learning truly comes to life for them."
At Tesseract, the school’s innovative educational approach includes creating an environment in which students master the basics while also presenting them with opportunities, both inside and out of the classroom, to apply what they are learning to the real world. Along with the school’s commitment to academic excellence, its “whole student” approach to teaching promotes social, emotional and intellectual development, and challenges its students to be fully and actively involved in their education, such as the fifth-graders’ involvement and responsibilities in the debates.
“Students leave the experience with a sense of accomplishment,” noted Strickland. “The debates make each of them nervous, but in a good way—they understand the importance of the project.”
About Tesseract:
A leader in education in the Valley, Tesseract School prepares students to excel in college and beyond, lead lives of purpose, and become ethical and compassionate citizens with a global perspective. Tesseract’s innovative educational approach engages students in learning, enabling them to master the basics and become critical thinkers. As a non-profit, independent private school for students in preschool through grade 12, resources are directed to recruit and retain outstanding educators and continually enhance the school’s two campuses in Phoenix and Paradise Valley. For information visit www.tesseractschool.org or call 480.991.1770.
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