6 Minute Talks: PTA, Typing, Memorization, Penmanship, Story-time

Five speakers talk for six minutes about various topics.

PTA by Derek Overholt

Parent-teacher association is important to foster communication between teachers and parents. PTA meetings help to dispel misconceptions, provide updates on student progress, and foster collaboration.

Typing by Verlin Miller

Teaching typing is an essential life skill due to the prevalence of computers in homes and workplaces. Students who gain proficiency in typing benefit from advanced cognitive function, reading, and spelling skills.

Memorization by Jonathan Erb

Memorization is a critical subject for producing wise students. It is foundational for learning, it improves performance across subjects, it equips students to resist temptation, and it fulfills God’s command to be ready with answers.

Penmanship by Doug Mast

Despite technological advances, teaching cursive penmanship should still be prioritized in schools. Cursive reflects discipline and character and is a valuable, practical skill.

Story-time by Jonah Avina

Story time is a way to enrich students’ lives through time travel, the broadening of perspectives, the ignition of curiosity, the fostering of creativity, and the instilling of moral and biblical lessons. Further, stories expand vocabulary, improve attention spans, and connect lessons to real-world contexts.

“Six Minute Talks” were presented by Derek Overholt, Verlin Miller, Jonathan Erb, Doug Mast, and Jonah Avina at Western Fellowship Teachers’ Institute in August of 2024 at Lighthouse Mennonite School in Halsey, Oregon.