Public Speaking Show and Tell: CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

One of our lovely mommas, Wendi, is teaching our kids public speaking once a month. [THANK YOU WENDI!] Here's her description for this first class:

Each child should bring something to show and tell the class. This is a simple ice-breaking exercise, but it is a good idea for the child to practice what they want to say a few times at home before class.

OBJECTIVES and EXPECTATIONS:
--Stand in front of the class, facing the group.
--Use voice volume appropriate for the room. 
--Flexible time with a 2 minute maximum.
--Courteous audience members. 

The goal is to improve each child’s confidence in public presenting, no matter their starting level. 

This class is open to all ages, participants will learn public speaking basics and have a chance to practice their new skills. Children will be expected to come to class prepared to deliver a monthly speaking assignment to the group. Each student will receive positive feedback on their presentation and a suggestion to work on for the next assignment.

Our kids did great! We had a wide range of ages and a wide range of willingness to get in front of a group and speak. It was so cool that each kid participated in one way or another. I tried to get pictures of each speaker, but many turned out blurry so I'm sorry if we didn't get your child speaking.

Waiting to get started and Wendi kicking off the class.

Our first speakers

One of our speakers used notes for her speech. Getting up in front of a group was a first for many of our students. 

One of our youngest speakers and one of our oldest speakers.

A couple speakers were nervous enough that Mom went with to the front of the room.

The speaker under the ! wanted to share the books he brought, but was too nervous to go to the front of the room, so he shared from his seat.

Another before class picture

Another skill worked on in this class was being a good audience for the speakers.

The kids did a fabulous job being respectful listeners.

After class, we head down to the children's section of the Woodburn Public Library and the kids hang, play games, or trade book recommendations

Playing with puzzles together

Our next Public Speaking class is on October 17 and details for the event can be found under our Events Calendar tab above.

Not Back to School Ice Cream Social 2014

WAHF has not been in existence very long; we're kicking off our 3rd school year of activities. Even with our short lifespan, this year we celebrated our 3rd Not Back to School Ice Cream Social at Centennial Park here in Woodburn. It was so cool to see our group take over the playground.

Kids playing and Mommas talking. We have a wide age range.

Swings are loved by young and old kids.

We started with playing. Next came a group picture:

One of our Mommas, Desiree, took this picture. We have a Senior in high school down to Preschool in our group.

Next came ICE CREAM! Evidence suggests homeschoolers do know how to stand in line even if they don't do it every day at school. 

A couple Mommas supervising the all important ice cream selection. 

Some more waiting for frozen goodies.

One of our Mommas organized a Back to School Scavenger hunt to help the kids mix and mingle and get to know our newer members. There were line items like "Find someone who has a pet snake" or "Find someone with more than 1 sibling". It was great to see how the kids crossed age lines to enage with one another.

Some intense conversations took place.

2 cute little blondies getting to know each other a little better.

One of our Pre-K kids taking this very seriously.

One of our big kids and little kids working together.

And there was plenty of Momma Talking Time.

Our next activity is September 12 at Burlingham Park [follow the Calendar tab above for details]; we're going to play kickball because it NEEDS a group to be played!

Bauman's Farm Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Updated

Just wanted to call attention to the fact that our field trip has been scheduled. You can find details under the event on the calendar [tab above]. If you are on Facebook, you can RSVP there. If you are not on Facebook, and would like to attend, please RSVP with me using nelsonbooklovers at gmail dot com. Thank you!

2014-15 School Year

We have planned our Friday events through January 2015, and have added a calendar to this blog so people not on Facebook can see what we're up to and join us. I also hope to update the blog each week with pictures and a post after each event. That is the plan, anyway. We're excited to get started on they new year and hope our group will continue to grow.