Querencia Speeches

In concluding our first English unit on “Querencia: A Sense of Place,” students delivered place of meaning speeches in their individual querencia locations.

Join us on a journey to students’ special campus spots!

Assignment description and criteria for success:

Content:

1. 1. RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING PROMPT:
      1. In what way does your view of your querencia differ from or echo any past author’s point of view of wilderness/place/nature?

• Lopez (Rediscovery of North America)

• Thoreau (Brute Neighbors)

• Dillard (Living Like Weasels)

• Solnit (Field Guide to Getting Lost)

1. Content is focused on ONE MOMENT OF MEANING/learning/symbolism speaker drew from Querencia experience, connected to larger themes we’ve discussed in two authors from the past two weeks.
2. Cite 2-3 specific quotations from relevant authors that support speaker’s original ideas. Cite in end-parenthesis like this: “live deliberately” (Thoreau, 222).
3. Begin and conclude speech in an engaging way (“hook” and conclusion)
   1. conclusion includes answer to this question:

How have you built a sense of place in your querencia? Is it important to build a sense of place? Why?

Writing:

1. Use specific details to illustrate your message
2. Language is concise and direct – not overly flowery or overly descriptive
3. Use correct spelling and grammar
4. Sentence length is varied and does not include run-ons

Delivery:

1. Speech lasts between 3 and 5 minutes.
2. Speech is delivered in Querencia Location.
3. Make eye contact
4. Use appropriate hand gestures for emphasis
5. Project your voice
6. Speak clearly, intentionally and with authority/confidence (No “ums”, “uh”s, “like”s, etc)
7. Use appropriate pauses for impact, emphasis, and pacing
8. Stand with posture, poise and presence (not fidgeting)
9. Dress professionally for a formal presentation

Watch students’ speeches below!

(An excerpt only)

(an excerpt only – from our local Chilean!)

In Unit 2 we will be digging into “Humans in Wilderness and the Wilderness Within,” an exploration of character and adventure through the lens of Christopher McCandless in Into the Wild.

Stay tuned!

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