If you are trying to find the best public speaking classes for kids, then you can not go past us of course (our details our here)! But if you don’t live near our Melbourne venues, here are 6 things every parent should consider about public speaking classes for kids.
1. Are the teachers experienced, accredited, qualified and skilled at teaching kids? To help your selection process, you may ask questions such as: “Are your teachers registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching?” or “Are your teachers accredited Trinity Guildhall or AMEB Speech & Drama teachers?”. The more “yes” answers you get, the more experienced and qualified they are likely to be to teach your child
2. Do the kids get to practice the skills over time? Just like a great football player learns to play well over a long period of time, so too must a great public speaker. It takes regular practice and coaching to become great at anything. Children benefit more when they explore the subject over time and have the opportunity to be coached on a weekly basis. Our experience shows that the benefits of shorter more regular classes are better than longer less regular classes.
3. Is the programme designed primarily for children? For best learning outcomes, we recommend you try to find a programme dedicated to teaching children. Who has designed the programme? Are their qualifications, experience and background mainly based on adults or children?
4. Are the classes fun? When a child is having fun, their learning outcomes are often greater. Do not underestimate the importance of this, espcially when it comes to public speaking. To help your selection process, you can often get a feel for a programme by looking at their website, by speaking to the principal or by having your child attend a trial class.
5. How structured is the programme? A programme with a strong long term structure helps to ensure the programme delivers in more areas over time for your child. For example, if a drama programme suggests they include public speaking skills, ask specifically how these skills are planned and structured. It will benefit a child more during their schooling life if the programme is focussed on connecting to, and complementing the school curriculum as much as possible.
6. Does the programme allow children to trial a class? It is common for a child to be unsure if they want to attend public speaking classes. Trying a class often helps eliminate any concerns or barriers a child may have. More often than not, once they try it, they can’t wait to go back!
If you are looking for a great programme in public speaking for kids located in Melbourne, please check us out at Super Speak. Our aim is to make public speaking fun for all children to learn. We have a unique approach, leading curriculum and positive teaching methods that help children achieve great results. Over 60,000 children have attended Super Speak since 2006 across Melbourne, and we would love to help more children learn these skills. If you are interested in having your child attend one of our Melbourne trial classes, contact us today!