All Greenwood students attend communications classes in order to develop verbal communication skills. The following skills are learned and studied:
- Vocabulary building
- Group discussion
- Dramatic readings
- Listening
- Other techniques to enhance "thinking on one's feet"
We also believe that the ability to listen and to use proper spoken English is vital to progress in reading, writing, and spelling. In addition, we encourage all students to participate in public speaking. We have found it to be invaluable for developing poise and self-confidence. A favorite communication activity is the composition and presentation of political speeches by student government candidates.
Each day, selective small groups of students meet for a speech pragmatics class. Here students learn effective strategies for creative problem solving. These strategies were developed by Tom Scheidler, Greenwood’s co-founder, specifically for Greenwood students. They have been refined over the years and have been recognized at national and international education conferences. This daily class provides a forum for resolving interpersonal and community conflicts and for improving social interactions.
Although all Greenwood students receive assistance in developing their abilities to use language as a communication tool, students with expressive/receptive difficulties, which interfere with all aspects of language processing, from the classroom to the sports field, may attend sessions with a speech language pathologist.
In addition, we offer at an additonal charge special speech tutorials, which cover such areas as:
- Spoken syntax
- Enunciation
- Following directions
- Word finding
- Listening skills
- Vocabulary development
Greenwood recognizes that it is important and necessary to identify these language processing difficulties and provide the appropriate remedial program for them. For that reason, we employ a credentialed, full-time speech and language pathologist to provide instruction for students with these difficulties. In addition, the speech and language therapist also consults with classroom teachers so that each student participating will receive the full benefit of the program.
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