So...how do you talk to a classroom of 6 year olds?

[dameofdilemma]

Dd has volunteered me to her teacher to speak to the class about the organisation I work for as it relates to a topic they'll be learning about. Don't want to say more and out myself but it isn't that interesting...

Am stumped and irrationally terrified. I don't even do anything interesting or of practical use (eg not a doctor/nurse/firefighter etc). I can see the kids looking at me with contempt and making L for Loser signs.

Any tips? Big crowds of kids give me the heebie jeebies...

Speak to the teacher first! I spoke to DSs nursery school class about my job, the teacher asked me questions and I answered them, that made it a lot easier than me just waffling on! My job comes with interesting props so that helped and I brought stickers!

Let them ask you questions (you’ll probably find 90% of them won’t be about your job 🤣)

Props! The more visual the better.

They'll want to know how much you earn.

Definitely ask for questions in advance from children, or via teacher on the day.

And prepare a couple of anecdotes - "the best thing about what we do is..." and "one time we had a big disaster because..."

Ask the teacher to introduce you and if possible, prepare some questions the children can ask you. Definitely bring stickers! Smile lots. I'm a primary teacher and it's harder than it sounds standing in front of a class for the first time!

Plus a photo of your office - outside, inside and your actual desk :-)

Tell the class "Mrs X has told me how good you are at listening and asking interesting questions" right at the start.

Agree, stickers are your friend. A 6 year old getting a sticker is 'the best day ever'. Ask lots of questions and involve them rather than talk at them.

talk as though you are talking to adults - but simplify the vocabulary and concepts... kids like being respected and not talked down to - but naturally have more restricted vocab than grown ups...

agree that visuals and stickers are very good...
kids also enjoy surprises / guessing / games / etc. - so even something as simple as a picture - but half covered up - can you guess what this picture is? - then uncover the other half...

Thanks all - its tricky as its my employing organisation that's the topic (not my job in that organisation).
Am thinking of maybe doing a very easy quiz...

Stickers are my best friend, noted.

Any freebies available? Pencils? Googly eyed bobbly things? My kids love that!

Is your DD also 6? If so, just try to pitch it and speak like you do to her.
Also agree with the stickers, you can give them out for good sitting/listening/good questions etc. If possible try to make sure every child gets one at some point or there may be tears at the end (voice of experience)

Props, as many props as possible. Get children up to model or hold or explain.

When you ask a question tell them to talk to their partners to come up with an answer, it means it is not such a long period of quiet for them. It also gives better chance of answers.

If there is a story or video or song linked to it in anyway show that. A hook of some kind to keep them focussed.

Quiz is good, but difficult to pitch as you don't know what level they are at. Maybe do a quiz with answers? (Put them into groups with a pile of cards which have the answer for the questions. Then ask a question, they have to choose which card to hand in as their answer.) it is less intimidating that way and more controlled.

Finally, read the room! When lots start to fidget and squirm either aim to wrap it up or change the activity.

Also, thank you for volunteering, it's lovely to have visitors in class!

I think this is more stressful than presenting to the Board...

OK so I have a list of interesting age appropriate facts and some pictures that I'll get the kids to help hold up.
To keep it simple (it will be a short slot) I'll do the quiz as a 'hands up if you think the answer is...' type of thing. Maybe have multiple choice answers on the white board.

Teachers - I salute you.