This fall I am orchestrating an American Girls co-op that my grand daughter, Karis (age 7) attends with 7 of her friends. I have heard from two parents that their children were terrified of giving a presentation to the group. If the parent hadn't told me that I never would have guessed that was the case because the girls did such a great job! As the weeks go by the girls are becoming more and more comfortable with giving a presentation. Some totally memorize their report while others use note cards. One of the students has used power point several times and has even included video! Several of the students have come to co-op dressed as the American girl we are studying that particular week.
It has been amusing to note that several times a few of the girls do not want to share some of the information in their presentation because they are embarrassed by the subject so they have their moms share that particular part with the group. Karis will share embarrassing information (i.e. dye was sometimes made from duck poop), but then she will giggle. It's adorable. Younger siblings have participated as well, often holding a picture up during the report.
Whether you organize a co-op that becomes the center of your academic study, or you plan one that is simply to provide a safe and friendly audience for public speaking opportunities, I encourage you to give homeschooling, co-op style a try! Some things are just better together!
Our "Homeschooling Co-op Style" show will begin on October 9th, so mark your calendars!
http://ultimateradioshow.com/show-hosts/homeschooling-co-op-style/ (There's a video on this page with a short introduction to the show.)
And, if you haven't entered our drawing for a free iPad mini, the contest is about to end so add a comment to the blog in order to enter!!! Happy co-oping!
As the children get older, give them guidelines on creating excellent presentations -- how to practice to time themselves, how to use technology effectively *and* how to do an effective presentation without any technology, and so on. My college students have improved greatly with this guide: http://bethimpson.wordpress.com/policies-and-guides/guidelines-for-class-presentations/. It could easily be revised for various age levels and purposes (and anyone is welcome to do so, though I'd appreciate your noting its source).
ReplyDeleteOur kids loved presenting in co-ops. They worked hard to have a really good presentation. Now they are both in NCFCA and seeing how the "pros" do it.
ReplyDeleteWe started public speaking early in our homeschool experience and neither of my children have a fear of being on a stage in front of people. In fact, one son makes his living from acting and the other is a musician that performs many time in front of audiences. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI entered that giveaway!
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