Calling all teachers!

The interview with the mentor teacher went well. YAY! She has submitted the paper work -- it looks like I may just have a student teaching placement close to home for this fall! YIPPEE! I will practically wet myself if this all works out -- I can not imagine being 15 minutes from work! WOW!

Calling all teachers -- I'm needing advice if you have any! I have my unit plan due to my methods class for Thursday. I have to put together a 2-3 week unit (handouts, lesson plans, goals, objectives). I'm doing it for a public speaking class grades 10-12. I am writing it for a unit on researched informative speeches. Any fun ideas for lesson plans?

Even if you are not a teacher but have had a public speaking class -- I'm open! Ideas are welcome. Comments bring me joy. Do not hold back.

One idea that I had from my professor was to teach my students the "WHY" on the importance of research. I will teach the dangers of trusting Internet sources. The dangers of Google and wiki will be covered. I'm thinking it might be interesting to throw out some legitimate looking examples of research which prove to be inaccurate -- thus reinforcing the importance of credible sources. I think it would be easy to do a full day on the dangers of inaccurate sources.... I'm also thinking I could do a full day lesson with the media specialist on how to properly research a topic. Then there would be one day for research, and another to practice with a partner. I would have outlines and speaker notes due prior to speech day.

Do any of you teachers have ideas for mini lessons that would be helpful to my future students? Resources you know? I'm wanting to keep it interesting, relevant, and rigorous.

I got an email from my cooperating teacher from the fall. I'm going to musical rehearsals tomorrow. SUCH FUN! We saw musical last weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing the fall students again -- I have missed them.

On the home front:
Wonder Boy has decided to write a book. He has worked for 2 weeks on chapter one and it is GREAT. I'm proud of him. He wants to be published.

Super Girl is in grade 5 and says the "Maturation Video" today. The only surprise for her was that the hormones come from the pituitary gland. I'm so proud. She said it was boring! This means I've done a pretty good job educating her on maturation! YAY!

Hubby is trying to get some painting done here on the home front since there is no work to be had in this state. It kills us not having his paycheck. I do like that my front hall is finally being painted after more than a year of staring a primer. Poor guy. He started back to school too. Construction stinks. This too shall pass.

I napped and feel better --- can you tell in my happy tone? I can't wait to get the sleep machine and get restful sleep! Imagine.... not being in a fog when you are trying to accomplish so much. I can not wait! Am I crazy that I think 2 spring literature classes sounds like a relief when compared with my current workload?