Leaders of Learning

A reminder that next week, Round 1 of the Public Speaking Competition will begin. Children from Kindergarten to Year 6 should have their speech prepared by Monday 4th August. 

It is normal for children to experience nerves when doing any form of public speaking, here are some tips to help you, assist your child. 

The speech should be prepared at home. Palm cards can be a great way to record a speech. 

For younger children, this could be 3-4 cards with simple pictures that will remind them of what they want to speak about. For older children, it could include written dot points that include the main idea of their speech. 

Key Tips for Parents:

• 1. Normalise the Fear: Acknowledge that public speaking is challenging and that many people, including adults, experience nerves before speaking. Share your own experiences and how you've managed your anxiety. 
• 2. Start Small and Safe: Once written, ask your child to read the speech to one family member, then slowly build the audience to include more people. 
• 3. Make Practice Fun and Consistent: Make practice sessions enjoyable. Consistent practice in a stress-free environment helps build confidence and make speaking more natural. 
• 4. Focus on Effort and Progress: Praise your child for their effort and for taking steps forward, even small ones. Avoid focusing solely on perfection and emphasise that mistakes are part of the learning process. 
• 5. Teach Relaxation Techniques: Guide your child in practicing deep breathing exercises or counting slowly before speaking to help calm nerves and manage physical symptoms of anxiety. 
• 7. Offer Positive Reinforcement and Constructive Feedback: Provide encouragement and constructive criticism in a supportive manner, always ending on a positive note to build their confidence.

Miss Matilda Raper

Instructional Specialist

Mrs Alison Poole

Kindergarten - Year 2 Leader of Learning

Mrs Lucy Chigioni

Years 3-6 Leader of Learning