Mock Trial: Persuasive Speaking 7-8

Summer Language Arts

This fast-paced summer program for students entering grade 7 or 8 is specifically designed to combine all the excitement of the courtroom with the rigor you expect from an advanced language arts course. Students build crucial reading, writing, and public speaking skills as they participate in a simulated court case based on the class novel.

In week one, students develop their critical thinking skills as they read and analyze Nothing But the Truth, a Newbery Honor Book by acclaimed children's author Avi. Through class discussion and frequent in-class writing, students will learn how to use evidence to strengthen their arguments. They also learn about the U.S. justice system and their own First Amendment rights, preparing them to make their own rulings as Supreme Court Justices.

In week two, students work together in legal teams to tackle a civil court case based on the events in Nothing But the Truth. Students participate in every stage of the legal process, from filing a civil complaint to constructing their case. Persuasive writing takes center stage as students learn to craft clever questions and compelling closing arguments to sway the jury in their favor. For the final class, students will have their day in court, putting their public speaking skills to the test as they role-play the trial and await the jury's verdict.

Note: To ensure students have the best experience, it is recommended that they do not read the course texts before class starts.

This two-week course meets Monday through Friday for three hours each day.

Space is very limited for our summer programs. Please do not wait until the last minute to enroll. If there are more than two weeks before the course starts, a $200 deposit will be due when enrolling, with the balance due two weeks before the course begins.

Schedule in 2023

All times Eastern.