Presentations

What are best practices for students to share their accomplishments through the presentation?

Presentations can take many forms for the community project. Here are some suggestions:

• Invite local media. The more support and awareness you can get from your local community, the greater the impact you will have in future projects.

• Consider a live stream video for parents or family members far away. Password protect the livestream for increased safety of students.

• Add a section to the school website for school stakeholders to view selected projects.

• Hold an in house exhibition in a gym, cafeteria, or outdoor area and invite parents, community members, and students.

• Create a culminating video of highlights to share with families and community members.

Public speaking strategies - What about stage fright?

• Review videos of public speeches both by adults and students. Practice observing best practices of public speaking using a Harvard Project Zero Visible Thinking strategy such as 'See, Think, Wonder', or 'I Used to Think...Now I Think...'.

• Practice presentations in small groups using peer feedback.

• Practice 'low stakes' public speaking while using debatable questions. Pick a fun topic, and have students 'pop-up' and stand when they speak.

• Work with support teachers and counselors to adapt the presentation for students with different abilities.