School Update
Building Confidence: Grade 5 Public Speaking Workshop
Grade 5 students recently took part in a public speaking This process encouraged students to think like speakers and
workshop delivered across two identical sessions so that the make deliberate choices about how their message would be communicated. entire grade had the opportunity to participate.
The workshop was organized by Ms. Morgan and Mr. Drew from Following the annotation work, students applied their ideas Grade 5 and facilitated by Ms. Lindsay, as part of preparation for the through low pressure read alouds and short speaking moments. Emphasis was placed on planting their feet, using breath to upcoming PYP Exhibition days. support projection, taking purposeful pauses, and making eye During the workshop, students explored the idea that effective contact with the audience. Using shared vocabulary, peers were public speaking is not about being loud or memorizing words, able to give supportive feedback by noticing effective speaking but about using the body and voice with intention. Students choices rather than focusing on mistakes. were introduced to key speaking tools such as facial expression, gesture, eye contact, projection, pace, vocal variety, and stage By the end of the workshop, students demonstrated increased confidence and awareness as communicators. Many recognized presence. how small adjustments, such as slowing their pace or taking Working with short, engaging texts, students annotated directly a beat, could significantly improve clarity and presence. These on their scripts by highlighting important words, marking pauses, skills will directly support students during PYP Exhibition and planning where to use gestures or changes in voice. presentations and other learning experiences that require clear, confident public speaking.
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CONCORDIAN IMPACT - ISSUE 46