Now You're Talking: Using TEDx Kids to Fast-track Student Leadership Development.
Add this resource to your Student Leadership Development Toolbox to build student voice.
Imagine a classroom where every child feels empowered to share their ideas, passions, and dreams confidently.
That's the magic of TEDx Kids!
These captivating talks, delivered by children, offer primary teachers a powerful tool for cultivating leadership and public speaking skills.
Why TEDx Kids?
TEDx has changed the world of speaking for adults, making public speaking easier and more accessible.
It’s now doing the same for kids.
They are:
1. Inspiring!
When children see other children sharing their unique perspectives, they foster a "they can, so can I" attitude.
2. Public Speaking Made Easy!
The TEDx model is of “one big idea that will change the world” and promotes clear communication, engaging storytelling and confident delivery.
It’s a new way of presenting that works. Tens of thousands of adults have attended TEDx events worldwide, and now kids are attending their own.
3. Igniting Creativity and Critical thinking.
TEDx Kids tackles diverse topics, encouraging children to think deeply and ask questions.
This has never been more important in a world dominated by social media.
4. Fast-tracking leadership.
TEDx Kids combats the insularity of schools.
By observing young speakers, students learn to take initiative, share ideas, and inspire others.
They observe the actions taken by other leaders, opening up a world of possibility for them.
5. Building Kids’ Confidence (and Adult Confidence in Kids).
TEDx shows kids that their voices matter by giving them a platform and framework to express their views.
The platform is accessible for students.
Practical Ways to Use TEDx for Kids in Your Classroom
The benefits of adding TEDx Kids to your student Leadership Development Toolbox are real.
But how to go about it? These five ideas will get you started:
1. Hold "Talk Time" Discussions.
Show a short TEDx Kids video. (See examples below)
Facilitate a discussion: What did you learn? What did you find interesting? How did the speaker make you feel?
Encourage children to share their thoughts and experiences related to the topic.
2. Conduct "Mini-Talk" Practice.
After watching a video, ask students to prepare a short "mini-talk" on a topic they are passionate about.
Start with simple prompts: "My favorite animal is..." or "If I could change one thing, it would be..."
Focus on clear speaking, eye contact, and enthusiasm.
3. Host "Idea Generation" Sessions.
Use TEDx Kids as a springboard for brainstorming.
Ask students to identify problems or challenges in their community or the world.
Encourage them to develop creative solutions and present their ideas.
4. Start"Storytelling Workshops".
Analyze the storytelling techniques used in TEDx for Kids videos.
Help students develop their personal stories and learn how to tell them engagingly.
Focus on having a clear beginning, middle and end.
5. Create your own TEDx-style event for kids.
Start small, perhaps within one classroom, and expand later.
Let the children choose the topics they want to present.
Give support and guidance, but let the children take the lead.
Record the talks and share them with the school community.
Three TEDx Kids YouTube Video Examples:
"The mindset of a champion" by Carson BYBlow(TEDxYouth@Sofia):
This talk inspires children to develop a growth mindset to lead them to success.
"The effects of lying" by Georgia Hakom (TEDxKidsElCajon):
A brief and engaging talk about the benefits of telling the truth.
"Every child can thrive by five" by Molly Wright (TEDxSouthBankWomen):
This talk explains the importance of early childhood development, which is explained by a young person, making it easy for children to understand.
By incorporating TEDx Kids into your teaching and student leadership development mix, you can empower your students to become confident communicators, creative thinkers, and future leaders.
Let their voices be heard!
Do you know a teacher (in your school or in another school) who’d benefit from reading this article? If so, share this article with them.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For effective student leadership development:
· Use a clear leadership framework.
· Accelerate growth through modelling and mentoring.
· Ensure activities are engaging and inclusive.
The Young Leaders Program meets all these criteria. It’s affordable, time-saving, engaging, and effective. We offer packages for all school budgets.