Why structure makes speaking easier (brain loves patterns)
Our brains prefer patterns — giving children a tidy structure reduces the load of thinking on the spot. A simple template like Hook–Body–Close provides a predictable map: they know how to start, what to say in the middle, and how to finish. Templates lower anxiety, help organise thoughts, and make rehearsal straightforward.
Hook ideas for kids (question, wow fact, sound, prop)
A hook is one short line that makes the listener curious. Keep hooks playful and sensory for younger children: a question (“Have you ever seen a flying kite at night?”), a wow fact (“I found a pudding that sparkles!”), a sound effect (a quick “whoosh!”), or a prop (a bright scarf). Teach children to practise the hook until they can say it confidently in one line.
Body: 2–3 points rule (keep it short)
Ask children to stick to two or three simple points. Each point can be one sentence for younger kids or two short sentences for older ones. The aim is clarity: fewer points means less to remember and more chance to speak smoothly. If they have a story, ask them to pick two moments to describe.
Close: summary + feeling + thank you
A tidy close ties the talk together. Teach a three-part close: (1) One-line summary, (2) How it made them feel, (3) A polite finish such as “Thank you.” For example: “That’s why I love rainy days — they feel cosy, and I like splashing — thank you.”
Week 13 plan (7 days, 10 minutes/day)
This week focuses on practice and short rehearsals. Each day is about 10 minutes: warm-up, practice the template, and a quick share.
Day-by-day
- Day 1 — Hook practice (10 min): Pick a hook from the starters list. Parent: “Let’s do the hook first. Only one line.”
- Day 2 — One point (10 min): Add one body point and practise saying the hook + point.
- Day 3 — Two points (10 min): Add a second point; practise hook + two points.
- Day 4 — Full close (10 min): Teach the close (summary + feeling + thank you) and practise the whole structure.
- Day 5 — Mirror + record (10 min): Child rehearses in front of a mirror, then record a short take.
- Day 6 — Share to a small audience (10 min): Read to a sibling or parent; keep feedback to one positive line.
- Day 7 — Performance & praise (10 min): Pick the best short speech and celebrate with specific praise.
12 ready speech starters (age-appropriate topics)
- 1 — My favourite food and why.
- 2 — A game I love to play.
- 3 — A time I helped someone.
- 4 — My best holiday memory.
- 5 — If I had a superpower, I would...
- 6 — My favourite animal and a fun fact.
- 7 — A book I recommend.
- 8 — One thing I am proud of.
- 9 — A place I want to visit.
- 10 — A small project I made.
- 11 — My favourite school subject and why.
- 12 — A question I would ask a scientist/artist/chef.
Practice routine: mirror + record + replay (gentle)
A simple loop helps self-awareness: practise in front of a mirror once, record one short take, replay and praise two things that went well. Keep comments brief and kind. This routine builds awareness of voice and expression without turning practice into critique.
Common mistakes (rambling, forgetting, speaking too fast) + fixes
Rambling: ask them to stop after each point and breathe — use a finger to tap the table as a pause reminder. Forgetting: give them a tiny note card with the three words of their structure (Hook, Points, Close). Speaking too fast: practise counting 1–2 pauses between ideas and slowing one notch.
Done checklist + Week 14 visual aids teaser
- I practised my hook.
- I said 1–2 clear points.
- I finished with a summary, feeling, and thank you.
Finish with a short, specific praise line and stop while it’s happy. Week 14 will introduce simple visual aids to support young speakers — one prop, one picture.
Two full example speeches (Hook–Body–Close)
For ages 5–7 (short and simple)
Hook: “Do you like butterflies?” Body: “I saw a big blue butterfly in my garden. It sat on my mother’s flower and did a tiny dance.” Close: “I felt happy to see it. Thank you.”
For ages 8–10 (slightly longer)
Hook: “Imagine a library that never closes.” Body: “I love the quiet rows and the smell of old pages. My favourite corner has books about space and maps. Once, I found a hidden note in a book and I felt curious.” Close: “That surprise made me want to learn more. Thank you.”
Parent scripts
Short, simple prompts work best. Try: “Let’s do the hook first. Only 1 line.” “That was great — can you add one point next?” For praise: “I liked how you used your voice there — it sounded clear.” Avoid criticisms like “Don’t mumble” — instead model the clear sentence and ask them to repeat it.
Quick tips before you finish
Keep sessions short, celebrate attempts, and use the template regularly. Structure plus small, steady practice builds both skill and confidence — and makes speaking a safe, repeatable activity for shy children.