Frequently Asked Questions
What opportunities are available to my children through the speech and debate club?
WPACO offers bi-weekly speech classes, training in basic and intermediate debate, and provides opportunities for students to compete in speech and debate tournaments.
Some of my children are enrolled in cyberschool/charter school. Can they participate in WPACO?
No, they cannot at this time.
At what age should my child start speech classes?
Although the focus of the club is to serve students ages 10 and above, we welcome their younger siblings, in order to free parents to give their assistance and teaching expertise during the classtime itself.
How many students are in each speech class?
The ideal would be approximately 10-12 students. This allows for good class discussion and time for everyone to do a short speech in most of the classes. Last year we were able to keep most of the classes at 8-10 students.
How are speech classes divided - by age level or ability level or both?
Classes are divided primarily by age and then some by ability. We usually divide up the younger groups into ages 4-6, ages 7-9, and ages 10-12. Ages 4-6 have stories, games, and activities designed to increase listening and speaking skills, along with "show and tell" and "miniature" speeches. Ages 7-9 and 10-12 run through the Beginner Speech Program with different activities added based on skill level. During the years in which we have beginner students who are older (up to age 17), we have a beginner group for them during the first semester. These are then divided by age level and ability for the second semester, offering a variety of activites.
What if I have children younger than 4 years old?
We have a nursery available during speech classes (but not during debate classes)for children ages 3 and under. One of the job responsibilites listed on the Parent Registration form is "Nursery." We need mother volunteers to help out in the nursery. If this is something you enjoy doing, put a check by that category.
How often does the Speech and Debate Club meet?
We meet on Friday afternoons 2 times a month from September through April. For a complete schedule, check out the Club Info link on the home page.
Is there homework involved with the classes?
Yes, definitely! Homework is a very effective tool to reinforce class instruction and interaction. Usually students spend about 2-4 hours during the two weeks between class meetings doing their assignments. The completion of these assignments is expected and recorded, along with attendance. Therefore, failure to complete them may result in a gentle reproving of the student and/or moving down a level, if in excess. Of course, occasional emergencies do occur. Problems can be avoided by contacting your teacher in advance of class. To get the maximum out of these classes, students are encouraged to put forth their best for God's glory.
How much weekly time will my student spend preparing for speech and/or debate?
The answer to this question varies. For Speech Class - see above.
For Speech Tournaments - depending on what IE categories the students are participating in, they will need to spend time locating selections and/or writing their speeches and memorizing them. On the average, this can take anywhere from 5-10 hours in the beginning. Once selections are found, written, and prepared for presentation, preparation time drops. Often the same selection(s) is used for several tournaments throughout the year, as the student continues to work on presentation style and the strengthening of content. Participating in practice tournaments can serve to encourage and sharpen the writing/speaking skills of the student. It is a great format for practicing the skills they learn in the club.
For Debate - The resolution for the NCFCA league comes out sometime in early summer. Most students will begin reading and researching the topic to build their understanding of it. Optimally, they could spend about 5-6 hours a week doing their own research. Most debaters spend the majority of their time in blocks - agressively researching and building their arguments right before a practice tournament. In addition to their own research, they will also spend time in club meetings (2 times a month) and in discussions with their team partner. There may also be learning opportunities centered on the topic along with additional coaching sessions.
There is definitely a learning curve for first-time debaters. They could end up putting in more time in the beginning to get acquainted with the terms and the logic involved in this forensic sport. But once they learn the basics, they quickly turn their attention to researching and writing their arguments. I recommend that you keep track of time spent and give a high school credit or 1/2 credit (depending on hours) for debate.
Does my child need to take the speech classes before he can participate in debate?
The easy answer to this question is NO. Jr and Sr. high school students who are fairly confident in their ability to speak before an audience (especially impromptu), can jump right into debate with little or no problem. But doing a semester or even a year of Speech Club with or before Debate Club can be another tool to help them build confidence and to learn Christian, professional presentation styles that will complement and support their arguments in debate.
Is there a fee to join the Western PA Christian Orators?
Yes, there is a fee. These monies are used to cover the cost of debate and IE instruction - including books and videos for teachers' training and use, miscellaneous handouts, facility donation, certificates/awards for special programs, snacks and paper supplies for special events, and the maintenance of this website. Click on the registration form samples to see the costs for the previous year.
Are there other fees involved in speech and debate?
In addition to club fees, you should anticipate some tournament fees as well. There will be various opportunities for students to participate in a practice meet. As a club we host 2-3 local tournaments. There are also tournaments scheduled in other states, as NCFCA is a national league. It is not mandatory for WPACO members to compete in ALL scheduled tournaments, but newcomers will be expected to participate in one. Once a schedule is put together of area tournaments, we will publish them for parents' discretion in planning. The cost varies greatly; competing with one speech at a local tournament could be as low as $8 (plus food), while an experienced student competing with debate and many speeches locally might pay $50 (plus food, and if it is a tournament that competes on a national level, there would be national membership costs). Meals, travel, and motels are an extra cost.
Toward the end of the school year, there are NCFCA tournaments that require families to pay an affiliation fee. This would include the tournament our own club hosts in the spring. Our club does not require our students to participate in these types of tournaments, but if your student is of a competitive nature, you may want to plan for that.
Other Costs:
- Miscellaneous debate supplies - legal pads, binder, card file, other assorted office supplies for organizing your research.
- Topic-related books and evidence briefs
- Travel expenses for tournaments away from home - transportation costs, motel room (if host housing is not available) and meals during tournaments
- Professional/business attire (mandatory at all competitions) - Girls: dresses, skirts, suits (below knee) & dress slacks. Boys: suit or dress pants with sports jacket and tie.
What is involved in tournament competitions?
A tournament is a 2-3 day event in which students have the opportunity to compete in various Speech Events (IE) and/or Debate, in accordance with the NCFCA league. These events serve as a perfect format for students to practice and sharpen their skills in the various areas. Judges for these events come from a pool of parents, friends and community supporters. Each student is required to provide a judge when he competes(usually a parent!). Our Club hosts 2-3 tournaments per year, and all our parents will help with those. But there are also excellent opportunities at greater distances - Ohio, eastern PA, Michigan, New York, etc. When traveling for tournaments, anticipate overnight accommodations(some host housing is available), tournament registration fees (as stated above) and food. Also, business attire is required for student competitors(see above).
Will my child be required to be in competitions?
Students from most of the classes will be required to participate either in one tournament OR one community-type speech (that is, some type of event where the student gets up in front of people other than his/her family and gives a speech or a little talk). Some of the more experienced students are required to do two. Students can attend our local tournaments or travel to other ones. Some of our tournaments are very low-key and are much fun! There is no limit on the number of tournaments a student can enter. Not to sound redundant, but the benefits of tournaments far outweigh the anticipation anxiety. The children who compete improve their skills and have fun in the process.
Do the parents have responsibilities in the Club itself?
It is first and foremost the parents' responsibility to assure that their students attend classes faithfully and on time, with homework assignments completed by designated deadlines. At least one parent MUST attend the WPACO class meetings. In order for us to have a well-run club, all the organizational responsibilities need to be shared, and all parents are required to help in some capacity. All families are also required to help at the large tournament our club prepares in the spring. Please be sure to also look over the Code of Conduct and our Statement of Beliefs.
When a student competes in a tournament, his/her parent is required to be a judge at that tournament. Complete training prepares parents for this fun and exciting event!
All right, we're ready! How do we register?
Please go to the registration page on this website to learn more. Because a building can hold only so many students, there is usually a waiting list. Ask to be put on the waiting list, and you will be notified in the spring when it is time to officially fill out the registration forms.