Speech Outline on Nursery Rhymes

Topic: Why Nursery Rhymes are taught

Audience: Ages 16 and above

I. General Objective: To Inform

II. Specific Objectives: 

        At the end of the lecture, the audience is expected to:

            1. Give a scholarly definition of Nursery Rhymes.

            2. Enumerate at least two of the Nursery Rhymes discussed.

3. Explain the pros and cons in teaching Nursery Rhymes at school.

III. Subject Matter: Origin of Nursery Rhymes

As children, nursery rhymes were a regular staple in our world. We were sung them to sleep, we sung them in school, and we heard them on television and in books. We did not, however, delve into and think about what deeper meaning they might have had, or their significance. They simply had catchy melodies and lyrics, and were easily learned. These characteristics made them extremely popular as learning tools for teachers, as well as lullabies for parents to sing to their children at bedtime.

However, most, if not all nursery rhymes have deeper meanings and purposes; as a matter of fact most are founded on history and societal issues. That being said, this lecture will concentrate on providing the audience with a deeper and more scholarly view on the origin of nursery rhymes, and hopefully change the prevailing mindset that nursery rhymes are trivial and insubstantial.

*Materials to be used: Power Point Presentation, LCD Projector

        *References:

           Clark, J. (2002) London bridge archaeology of a nursery rhyme http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/arch-457-1/dissemination/pdf/vol09/vol09_12/09_12_338_340.pdf

Gedrose, A. (August 28, 2008). The Disturbing Origins of 5 Common Nursery Rhymes. Retrieved from http://www.cracked.com/article_16576_disturbing-origins-5-common-nursery-rhymes.html

Hagland, J. & Watson, B. (2005). Fact or folklore: the Viking attack on London Bridge...