Art Meets Speaking
Nurturing Public Speaking Skills Through Creative Projects at Home
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Public speaking is one of those life skills that permeates the other subjects. It builds confidence, poise, and effective communication.
It’s easy to tell when someone lacks good public speaking skills… but how do we build up these intangibles in our kids without artificial speeches and tri-fold board presentations?
Good news, friends.
By integrating art and creativity into your public speaking practice at home, you can make it both engaging and approachable.
Let’s dive into 3 super practical things you can do to use art as a stepping stone to develop your child’s speaking skills.
Public Speaking Art Projects
1. Family Presentations: Creativity Meets Communication
Family presentations are a low-pressure way for kids to practice public speaking. Adding artistic elements—like models, props, or even a background mural of their own creation—makes the experience interactive and fun.
How to Get Started:
Use curriculum-based art projects to inspire presentations. For example, kids studying animals can use ARTventurous Animals to create projects based on what they’ve learned, and then present their artwork along with a few fun facts.
Rotate roles in family presentations. Let one child be the speaker while another creates visual aids or costumes.
Activity Idea:
Choose a monthly theme (e.g., “Under the Sea”) and let each family member present on a related topic, using art to enhance their storytelling.
2. Recorded Speeches: Watch, Reflect, Improve
Recording presentations is a fantastic way to help kids self-assess their speaking skills. Plus, incorporating art makes the process enjoyable and memorable.
Creative Ideas for Recorded Speeches:
Create a mini-documentary featuring your child narrating a historical event while showcasing their hand-drawn maps and timelines.Curio’s desert survival plan writing activity would make for an epic documentary!
Record a news-style broadcast where kids report on their favorite topic, using props and artwork as visuals.
Activity Idea:
After recording, watch the video together and discuss what went well and what could improve. This builds confidence and helps them develop self-awareness.
Child presenting an art project about the solar system
3. STEAM Settings: Crafting Presentation Stages
For a creative twist, let kids build their presentation “stage” using STEAM skills. They can craft a watercolor backdrop, design a cardboard model, or even add a themed playlist to provide audio effects.
Why It Works:
Combining art and engineering engages kids in a hands-on way, helping them visualize their ideas before presenting them. Plus, it’s a great way to involve different learning styles.
Activity Idea:
Challenge your child to build a scene for a storytelling project after having used one of Curio’s STEAM writing activities. For example, if they’re retelling a knight’s tale, they can create the castle, forest, or village as their setting.
Curio’s Narrative Writing Bundle
CONCLUSION
Art isn’t just for creating—it’s a powerful tool for communication. By integrating public speaking with creative projects, you’ll give your kids the confidence to share their ideas in fun, meaningful ways.
For more creative homeschool resources, visit ThinkCurio.com
Will you be trying any of these ideas with your kids?
Let us know in the comments!
