Kid Conference allows students to practice public speaking, presenting

LAKE ELMO - Seventh-grade students in the Oak-Land Junior High Honors English classes of Sarah Jamieson and Mary Adamle presented a Kid Conference to an audience of approximately 200 peers, as well as teachers and parents on Feb. 22.

Students became experts on a topic of personal interest, and spent several weeks researching a variety of sources. They organized their research into a presentation that included visual aids, handouts, and activities. Students learned the basics of training others on a topic, including how to create eye-catching visuals, and how to structure a presentation for optimal learning.

Students felt that while the project required careful planning and a challenging amount of work, the experience paid off in the end.

"It was a challenge and a fun long-term project," said student Sam Volkmeier.

Added student Allison Raddatz: "At certain times, I wanted to quit. But now I think that the project helped me see that even when it's tough, there is a big reward" upon completion.

During each of five sessions during the Kid Conference, attendees had 14 topics from which to choose. There were a large variety of topics, including cake decorating, unicycling, digital spread-spectrum radios, rainforests, service dogs and Twinkies.

Students enjoyed watching their peers' presentations. It also provided a wonderful opportunity for students to practice their public speaking skills.

"It's a good way to practice your presenting skills since you're presenting to your friends," Justin DeShaw said.

Julia Amaral agreed, saying that the Conference, "made most of us conquer the fear" of public speaking.

Maddy Verette said she "had fun and felt relaxed socializing with my audience."

This was the first year of the Kid Conference, but based on the overwhelming success and positive responses, it will hopefully become an annual tradition at Oak-Land Junior High.

Current Rating: 4 of 1 votes!

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