I mentioned a while back that we joined 4-H and that both kids were elected to officer positions. It has been going quite well and they have enjoyed the activities and responsibilities a lot. This month, the focus was on speechmaking. Participation was technically optional, but Benjamin and Rachel’s mean old homeschool teacher required it (wink, wink).

The kids are divided into two groups at meetings: K-3rd grade, which are known as Clover Buds,; and the ones 4th grade and older. (Rachel is in K and Benjamin is in 3rd grade this year). The Clover Buds’ speeches were to be between one and three minutes long. The older kids were eligible to go on to county wide 4-H competition and then possibly the state level.  Their speeches were up to eight minutes in length.

Benjamin chose to give his speech on “Fire Safety“- a very timely and informative topic as we hear of so many wildfires burning out west. Rachel’s was entitled “How to Take Care of a Baby”- a choice of particular interest to her since she has a baby sister that she likes to mother.

Benjamin dutifully read up on his topic and organized his facts. Rachel drew more on personal experience to outline hers. Both of them made notecards to use while speaking. Here are Rachel’s.

(That first card says Lydia is fun but a lot of work- that still makes me giggle every time I see it. She must mean all those diapers she’s changed and all the hours of missed sleep for middle of the night feedings).

They worked hard preparing and practiced for anyone who would listen. When the big day came, they were ready. They both volunteered to go first and ended up going one after the other right away. They didn’t show a bit of nervousness.

They remembered to speak up, look at their audiences, and stand straight and still. We were very proud of them, not only for the speeches themselves, but also for having the courage to stand up in front of peers to make a presentation. That can be very hard to do.

They each received ribbons to help them remember their accomplishments.