Giving Them a Voice

As this school year comes to a close, we are not asking our students to sit back and count down the days in an attempt to hurry through undesired time together.

Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Our students are sad. They are asking about how they can make plans to “teach lessons to each other” over the summer. And they’re actually using this time to (again) reflect on some big ideas.

For our final showcase of the year, we’re asking our students to take a stance. To consider an original idea, develop a speech around it, and to create a meaningful presentation that will cement their ideas at this point in their lives.

Our own version of TED talks…Indi-(t)ED Talks. (See what we did there?!) 🙂

Yes, our 9-15 year old students are literally going through the exact same process that professional TED talk presenters go through.

Why you may ask? Because those are 21st century skills that they will need. Because they literally could add this to a college resume. But more importantly, because they’re capable.

Not without guidance. Not without building up their confidence and skills throughout the year. And certainly not for a test score or to check a box. But because they and their ideas are valuable. And because allowing them the opportunity to try, to make mistakes and rebound are important.

But most importantly, because finding their voices at an early age allows them to develop confidence in themselves. (Click on their names to read their Bios that they wrote themselves as well. Another opportunity for THEM to positively DEFINE THEMSELVES!)

Here are just a few of the titles of the talks that you can expect to hear from our illustrious speakers.

“The Healing Power of Optimism” -R.H.

“Children Are Your Equals Not in Skill or Knowledge, but in Human Dignity” -J.M.

“Imagine Life Kind” -F.W.

“Creating a Strong Team” -L.M.

“Effort is Everything “-T.W.

9-15 YEARS OLD!!!

Leaders of the Future! GUARANTEED!!!