mommy4ever Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 This is a skill that I know we are lacking. Being homeschooled, there isn't necessarily a group to present to. I have dd9 present her projects to her older siblings, but that isn't the same, plus they think she's adorable, which angers her..lol. Anyone care to brainstorm with me on how to provide this learning opportunity? I was thinking perhaps small group, co-op like setting. But I'm not sure. I know we could get a room at the library, and meet there to do the presentations. Truly, I'm not a speaker myself although I did do well in 4th grade competition but after that the school didn't do anything for me, 4-H was only for farm kids. How can I teach this to dd9, and give her the opportunity to improve and grow her skills? I don't think she's missing anything that the school might be doing, as all my kids lack in this area. I see this as an opportunity to grow. I see so many videos of young teens speaking to rooms full of people,and they are so eloquent. I want to let dd9 have a chance to try this. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 See if there is a local toastmasters for kids in your area. Sometimes the library host a toastmaster club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in OR Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 Our homeschool support group started a regular opportunity to do this these past two years. They kind of labeled it "Show and Tell" for all ages. Once a month during the school year anyone interested gets together at the library meeting room. Students share pieces they've had memorized or do other sorts of presentations, from kindergarten to high school. Erica in OR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arboreal TJ Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 Have you thought about adopting some grandparents at a nursing home or assisted living center? This is my plan for public speaking, I suspect we'll end up with more experience than just public speaking... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aspasia Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 Our homeschool support group started a regular opportunity to do this these past two years. They kind of labeled it "Show and Tell" for all ages. Once a month during the school year anyone interested gets together at the library meeting room. Students share pieces they've had memorized or do other sorts of presentations, from kindergarten to high school. Erica in OR One of our groups does something similar, but they do little "book reports". So kids of any age can stand up and talk about a book they've read in the last month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 I'm not getting your 4H comment. Do you mean in your area the only clubs offered for 4H are for farm kids? My kids have had tons of public speaking experience through 4H, but I've also made opportunities for them in the local community. The nursing home is a good idea. I am currently teaching an 8 week public speaking course using some of the ideas from IEW's Speech Boot Camp and some ideas from books I have. We are meeting at one of the familys' homes b/c I can't be bothered with the local co-op drama. I will never teach there again. IEW's program has DVDs and makes it easy to teach. Is it possible you could get a class started? There must be other parents who would be interested in their kids acquiring better speaking skills. The kids in my class admit that they do not enjoy public speaking and are afraid (except for my kids). I'm starting them out slowly with just reading aloud, then reciting poems. This week is their first speech. You can PM me if you want more details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 We do public speaking through 4-H. There is an annual contest at the county level which feeds into state and regional levels for older kids. 4-H is NOT just for farm kids. My kids were 4-Hers for 7 years before we ever got into animal projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 We do public speaking through 4-H. There is an annual contest at the county level which feed into state and regional levels for older kids. 4-H is NOT just for farm kids. My kids were 4-Hers for 7 years before we ever got into animal projects. Exactly. If you wanted to, you could even start your own club based solely on public speaking. I've thought about b/c I've got kids who love to do it and would like more opportunities, but are not interested in speech and debate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommy4ever Posted March 2, 2013 Author Share Posted March 2, 2013 4H isn't very big here, the closest club would be a minimum one hour drive one way, that isn't related to animals, a friend tried to start one within the city and couldn't get the numbers, it's only 8 kids, but there was no commitment around here for something like that. \but the comment was about myself growing up, only farm kids were able to participate in 4-H. I know 4H is for all kinds of things these days, including fun things like paint ball, painting, etc, but I think around here there isn't much else, other than involving large animals, that are within a decent travel time. I just looked at the regional listing, and there is minimal that isn't, and the distance just isn't feasible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth S Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 We have met in a small homeschool group for speech giving. My dd also took COM 101 at the community college as a dual enrolled student. Another option is to video tape your child at home, so he can see what he looks like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckens Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 Another vote for 4-H, even if you have to start your own club. This is not your mother's 4-H. Things that have changed since our parents were 4-Hers. --There are more specialized clubs. Ours is science driven, has Clover Kids and regular 4-H together, and no animals. Our kids give demos on legos, computer programming, and the science of pancakes. There are also plenty of sewing, woodworking, crocheting, art, baking, and gardening projects. --4H has become a big communication program. Formerly, one was judged for a beautiful project. This is still true, but now the write-up and presentation are just as important. One answers questions like "What did you learn?" and "What would you do differently next time?" You are docked for points if you are asked a question in a group setting, and you don't repeat the question before answering. --Annual Communication program is held next month. --If you start a group, they will come. We found our group by looking online at the County 4H website. A second vote for IEW's Speech Boot Camp. We haven't used it yet, (dd is only 6), but I have heard it referenced in Pudewa's talks. We plan to use it when dds are older. --------------------------------------- A poor idea well communicated always gets more traction than a good idea poorly communicated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 See if there is a local toastmasters for kids in your area. Sometimes the library host a toastmaster club. We had a Toastmasters LEAD a public speaking class for our kids years ago as part of their community service. It was excellent. Don't over look drama. The backyard drama camp that was started here years ago has evolved into a drama camp with around 80 kids each spring, a yearly high school drama competition, and has spurred others on (Cailitin and friends of this board) to start an amazing Shakespeare camp for high schoolers each summer. Also, Poetry Outloud. We started a homeschool division for the first time this year- good, good, stuff. Classical Conversations has a 1/2 "presentation" portion each class day- I always include this when I am teaching writing- it's a simple/painless way to intro public speaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candid Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 http://www.ncfca.org/ is open to children as young as 12 and involves a variety of speaking areas. You can look for a local club, but you can also start your own and participate in regional events. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara H Posted March 3, 2013 Share Posted March 3, 2013 Public speaking is such an important skill and it is great you are including it in your homeschool. I agree 4H can be a great option. Here's an article about public speaking for homeschoolers from my site that may have some other ideas you may find useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicoryChick Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 Another 4H family here and we live in town. I also picked up IEW Speech Boot Camp for a song someplace and use that to help prep the kids for their speeches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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