In a previous post I mentioned co-ops where the teachers are the moms, or dads, of the kids taking the classes. Click here for that post. Teaching a Co-op Class
There is another type of co-op where students are taught by teachers who are independent contractors. The teachers are usually homeschool moms, but there are also homeschool dads and even homeschooled kids who teach. Our local homeschool co-op offers a multitude of classes in a setting like this.
And, ta-da....next school year I am going to teach a speech class to 7th-12th grade homeschooled students at our local co-op where I'll be an independent contractor.
Well, I'll teach if there are at least 10 students who sign up. I will be using Institute for Excellence in Writing's Speech Boot Camp and possibly Toastmaster material.
My older 5 kids ages 7-15 participated in a speech club this school year. The kids age 7-12 had a beginner speech class and they had so much fun telling jokes, reciting poems, and having "show-and-tell". They didn't even know it was really a speech class. When kids learn to comfortable speaking in front of people at young age like that, they hopefully won't have that fear of talking in front of others that so many people experience.
I hope to bridge that and help students enjoy public speaking and learn positive techniques for presenting in public.
Question: How many of you feel comfortable getting up and speaking in public? Do you use that skill? When and where?
I have been in the Army for 25 years and I am continuing to learn ways to improve my communication skills. I use these skills every day and recently joined toastmasters to improve ways to communicate! Its never too early to learn public speaking skills! I like to speak in public :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad we're in Toastmasters together.
ReplyDeleteI hated speech. In fact, I put it off until my very last semester:) I am always impressed by those who speak well. I freeze up and just get quieter:) Such an important thing for kids to be able to do. So glad you are giving them this opportunity. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement. Was there anything about your speech class that you liked? Was there anything that you remember helped you overcome that freezing up?
Deletethis is great - i was home schooled for high school and participated in a toastmasters class. it is such an excellent life skill to know how to and be comfortable & confident speaking in front of people. i have referred back to what a learned in that course numerous times!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool Laura. I am excited to hear that you were in a toastmaster's club. I talked to them and I think I will use their material for kids after I finish the Speech Boot camp, or maybe blend the 2 together. It was eye opening to see my young children who were in the Beginner Speech Class (ages 7, 9, 11) get up in front of an audience and not realize they were getting up in front of an audience!
DeleteBTW, Laura, could you give me an example of particular situations that your toastmaster's class helped you?
DeleteOh, Sue! Your article is such a challenge to me. We used to do '3 Thankful Things' and eat dinner together nightly. As the boys have gotten older and are on the move more, I fear we've let those habits drift away. We are trying to get back on track...but it's a challenge. I wish we'd never let life interrupt! Love you long and strong! So thankful for your inspiring friendship. Share your link on my f/b wall because I know how important the habit is ESPECIALLY as kids get older! Sigh.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is much harder the older they get because they get jobs and they can drive, etc. When one of them doesn't eat with us it's easier logistically but NOT emotionally.
ReplyDeleteSo, you want me to attempt to put that post on your fb wall...I wonder how long it will take me to figure that out!
Thanks Carol Anne