Academic Activities in Reston, VA

Welcome to Winter at Highest Speak! No prerequisites necessary — this is a Level 1 introductory storytelling and writing class, perfect for beginner teens and tweens! In this fully interactive, high-energy class, students will have a ton of fun learning the essential elements of effective storytelling, story writing, and story structure. Through hilarious storytelling games and multiple hands-on storytelling assignments, your child will sharpen both their creative writing and public speaking skills. Winter is the perfect time for storytelling! With the season’s cozy vibes and magical atmosphere, students will be inspired to create and share imaginative, captivating stories that bring their ideas to life. Each class includes: - Open Forum: a positive, welcoming discussion to warm up - Mini Lesson: focused on a specific storytelling or performance topic - Speaking Games: fun, fast-paced activities to build creativity and confidence - Assignment: a daily storytelling or writing task to practice new skills For classes with more than 10 students, we provide two instructors to ensure every child receives plenty of individual attention and feedback in smaller breakout groups. Our instructors are not only professional skilled educators, but also stand-up comedians and performers, guaranteeing a fun, engaging, and memorable learning experience for every student! Please note: Assignments are expected to be completed outside of class to help students get the most out of their learning. Bonus Opportunity: Students enrolled in this class are eligible to participate in our Friday Evening Winter “Magic Mic” Night on December 12 for a small additional fee! Please register separately if you would like your child to join this fun, special storytelling event.

🗣️ Friday Magic Mic Night Presents: "Highest Cheer...A Student Showcase and Holiday Fun!" Friday, December 12 | 7:30-9pm (Mandatory Rehearsal: Choose one — Sunday, Dec. 7 from 3-5pm Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 6-8pm Ready to spread some holiday cheer, Highest Speak style? Calling all Winter 2025 Highest Speak Students! You must be registered for a Winter 2025 course to participate. It’s your time to shine (and sleigh)! Join us for our festive Friday Magic Mic Night, a fun and informal evening where students can perform: ✨ A favorite piece from their current or past public speaking class 📝 An original piece they’ve written — holiday-themed or not! 🎄 Students must attend one mandatory rehearsal on either Sunday, Dec. 7 (11 AM–1 PM), Tuesday, Dec. 9 (6–8 PM), or Wednesday, Dec. 10 (6–8 PM). Students will be coached and prepped for performance. All pieces must be 2 minutes or less — longer pieces will be trimmed during rehearsal. You’ll select your rehearsal date at checkout. 🎤 On Friday, Dec. 12 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, students will perform for a small and supportive audience — each performer may bring up to 2 guests. 🎁 Expect some surprise fun! Instructors may perform a holiday-themed piece or lead festive games for students and families. 🪑 We’ll provide a mix of chairs and cozy floor pillows 💬 No microphones — just big voices and bold performances! ⚠️ Limited performance spots available! 📌 This event is only open to enrolled Winter Highest Speak students — sign up ASAP to reserve your spot!

🎤 Talk Trekkers: Level 2 – Confident Communicators Grades 2–4 | 5 Weeks | 1 Hour Per Week (Prerequisite: Talk Trekkers Intro Class or Camp — see below) MUST BE IN GRADES 2-4! If your child has completed our Intro to Public Speaking class or camp, they’re ready for the next step! Level 2 builds on the foundations of content, structure, and performance, helping students grow into more expressive, confident, and purposeful speakers. In this high-energy and supportive course, students dig deeper into their delivery skills while learning how to write, organize, and speak with clarity using notecards — not memorization. We focus on helping young speakers think on their feet while staying organized and strong in their message. 🌟 In Level 2, Students Will: 💡 LEARN - Refine their understanding of speech structure and clarity across storytelling, persuasive, and informative formats - Strengthen vocal control — volume, tone variation, pacing, and expression - Sharpen nonverbal delivery — posture, movement, body language, and eye contact - Learn to write with delivery in mind, crafting speeches that are designed to be spoken out loud - Develop confidence using notecards as speaking tools, not scripts 🎤 DO - Present longer, more thoughtful speeches in a variety of formats - Participate in fun, focused delivery games and challenges - Learn to use notecards to stay organized and natural while speaking - Give and receive peer feedback in a safe, supportive environment 📈 IMPROVE - Receive individualized coaching on both speaking and structure - Practice applying instructor feedback in real-time - Gain tools for rehearsing with notecards and speaking with confidence 📝 End-of-Course Written Assessment Each student will receive a personalized written evaluation from their instructors at the end of the course, including: - A summary of their strengths and progress: - Areas they should continue to build - Specific recommendations to grow as a speaker beyond class 📣 Placement Requirements This is a Level 2 class, designed specifically for students who have completed: ✔️ Our 5–6 week Intro to Public Speaking Class, or ✔️ A Talk Trekkers Public Speaking Camp **Even if your child has taken public speaking elsewhere, they will be still be required to start at Level 1 — our approach, curriculum, and techniques are unique and carefully scaffolded. Not sure which class your child took? Reach out and we’ll be happy to confirm! 🎓 Showcase Night At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to sign up for our themed Showcase Night — a celebratory, low-pressure event where they get to shine for family and friends!

Comedy Camp! Stand-Up & Stand Out! (Rising Grades 5-8) Get ready to write, perform, and bring the laughs in this fun and interactive comedy camp for rising 5th-8th graders! Stand-up comedy is one of the most challenging—but also most FUN—forms of public speaking, and this camp will help young comedians build the skills they need to craft clever (and age appropriate) jokes, develop their own comedic style, deliver punchlines, and stand-up on the comedic stage with confidence! Over 10 hours of hands-on learning, campers will: 🎤 Discover the art of writing humor – from wordplay to storytelling to perfecting comedic timing. 😂 Create their own jokes & stand-up routines – developing material that fits their unique style and personality. 👀 Receive peer and instructor feedback – refining their work through fun, supportive critique. 🎭 Perform their original stand-up sets – putting their skills to the test in a final comedy showcase! Daily Schedule (1:00 – 4:30 PM): 1:00 – 1:45 PM – Lunch & Quiet Activity (Drop-off for PM students) 1:45 – 2:00 PM – Comedy Warm-Up & Icebreakers 2:00 – 4:00 PM – Writing, Practice, & Feedback (Joke-building, storytelling, timing) 4:00 – 4:30 PM – Wind Down & Parent Pick-Up Whether they dream of being the next great stand-up comic or just want to build confidence and have fun, this camp is the perfect place to laugh, learn, and let loose on stage! 😆🎤

Welcome to Winter Storytelling at Highest Speak! No prerequisites – this is our introductory storytelling and writing class, perfect for beginners! Whether your child is brand new to storytelling or just wants to boost their confidence, this fun, high-energy class is the perfect place to start! Students will improve both their public speaking and creative writing skills as they learn how to craft and perform powerful stories in a supportive, laughter-filled environment. From developing story structure to delivering stories out loud, students will have a blast while building real-world communication skills. And what a perfect time of year to tell magical stories! Winter is full of wonder, imagination, and inspiration—making it the ideal season to bring creative ideas to life through words and performance. Students will work on both prepared stories and impromptu storytelling, building flexibility and confidence as they learn to think on their feet and express themselves clearly and creatively. Each class includes: - Open Forum: positive group discussion to warm up and build connection - Mini Lesson: focused instruction on a storytelling or performance concept Speaking Games: fast-paced, hilarious activities to boost confidence and creativity - Story Assignment: writing or speaking activity that reinforces the day’s lesson Throughout the course, students will write, share, and present their original stories—building confidence in both written expression and spoken delivery. Individualized feedback helps each student grow at their own pace. ✨ All classes with more than 10 students are led by two instructors, ensuring personalized attention in smaller breakout groups. And yes—our instructors are not only experienced educators, but also stand-up comedians and performers—so your child can expect to laugh, engage, and leave class buzzing with excitement each week. 💬 Please Note: Light homework may be assigned each week. Students get the most out of the class when they practice their skills outside of our sessions. ** Students are also eligible (for a small fee) to sign up for our Winter “Friday Magic Mic” night (December 12) where they can perform their favorite holiday/winter themed stories!

Welcome to Winter Storytelling at Highest Speak! No prerequisites – this is our introductory storytelling and writing class, perfect for beginners! Whether your child is brand new to storytelling or just wants to boost their confidence, this fun, high-energy class is the perfect place to start! Students will improve both their public speaking and creative writing skills as they learn how to craft and perform powerful stories in a supportive, laughter-filled environment. From developing story structure to delivering stories out loud, students will have a blast while building real-world communication skills. And what a perfect time of year to tell magical stories! Winter is full of wonder, imagination, and inspiration—making it the ideal season to bring creative ideas to life through words and performance. Students will work on both prepared stories and impromptu storytelling, building flexibility and confidence as they learn to think on their feet and express themselves clearly and creatively. Each class includes: Open Forum: positive group discussion to warm up and build connection Mini Lesson: focused instruction on a storytelling or performance concept Speaking Games: fast-paced, hilarious activities to boost confidence and creativity Story Assignment: writing or speaking activity that reinforces the day’s lesson Throughout the course, students will write, share, and present their original stories—building confidence in both written expression and spoken delivery. Individualized feedback helps each student grow at their own pace. ✨ All classes with more than 10 students are led by two instructors, ensuring personalized attention in smaller breakout groups. And yes—our instructors are not only experienced educators, but also stand-up comedians and performers—so your child can expect to laugh, engage, and leave class buzzing with excitement each week. 💬 Please Note: Light homework may be assigned each week. Students get the most out of the class when they practice their skills outside of our sessions. ** Students are also eligible (for a small fee) to sign up for our Winter “Friday Magic Mic” night where they can perform their favorite holiday/winter themed stories!

🎤 Talk Trekkers: Level 2 – Confident Communicators Grades 2–4 | 5 Weeks | 1 Hour Per Week (Prerequisite: Talk Trekkers Intro Class or Camp — see below) MUST BE IN GRADES 2-4! If your child has completed Highest Speak’s Intro to Public Speaking class or camp, they’re ready for the next step! Level 2 builds on the foundations of content, structure, and performance, helping students grow into more expressive, confident, and purposeful speakers. In this high-energy and supportive course, students dig deeper into their delivery skills while learning how to write, organize, and speak with clarity using notecards — not memorization. We focus on helping young speakers think on their feet while staying organized and strong in their message. 🌟 In Level 2, Students Will: 💡 LEARN - Refine their understanding of speech structure and clarity across storytelling, persuasive, and informative formats - Strengthen vocal control — volume, tone variation, pacing, and expression - Sharpen nonverbal delivery — posture, movement, body language, and eye contact - Learn to write with delivery in mind, crafting speeches that are designed to be spoken out loud - Develop confidence using notecards as speaking tools, not scripts 🎤 DO - Present longer, more thoughtful speeches in a variety of formats - Participate in fun, focused delivery games and challenges - Learn to use outlines and/or notecards to stay organized and natural while presenting speeches. - Give and receive peer feedback in a safe, supportive environment 📈 IMPROVE - Receive individualized coaching on both speaking and structure - Practice applying instructor feedback in real-time - Gain tools for rehearsing and speaking with confidence 📣 Placement Requirements This is a Level 2 class, designed specifically for students who have completed: ✔️ Our 5–week Intro to Public Speaking Class, or ✔️ Highest Speak’s Fundamentals of Public Speaking Camp **Even if your child has taken public speaking elsewhere, they will be still be required to start at Level 1 — our approach, curriculum, and techniques are unique and carefully scaffolded. Not sure which class your child took? Reach out and we’ll be happy to confirm! ** Please note, no class on Sept. 23 due to Student Holiday!

Summer Camp Intro to Model UN (Rising Grades 9-12 ONLY) ! Based on popular demand, we are THRILLED to introduce our NEWEST summer camp evening class for High Schoolers! We have developed a 12-class hour, in-person evening camp that simplifies the principles of debate for newer high school diplomats and also makes it as FUN as possible! In our classes, we will cover: Public Speaking Research Diplomacy Debate Parliamentary Procedures All students will participate in various games/activities to allow them to understand and develop their diplomacy skills. As usual, ALL classes (with more than 8 students) are taught by two instructors to ensure that all students receive plenty of individualized attention and feedback. Short take-home assignments may be given. Students are expected to complete them in order to gain the most from this class! Day 1 Introduction to Model UN and Research Day 2 Understanding Debate and Committees Day 3 Negotiation Skills Day 4 Resolution Writing and Voting Day 5 Voting and Practice Simulation Day 6 Full Simulation (Parents are invited!) Start your Fall ready with new knowledge and experience that no other event teaches. By participating in Model United Nations, students learn: What are the biggest challenges facing the world today How to be more self-confident, especially with public speaking How to interact with other people who come from different backgrounds and perspectives How to work as a team to achieve shared goals How to take action to solve problems, on a local, national, and global scale ** This is very limited size group led by Model UN and Debate expert and PhD Candidate, Aaron Trujillo. He has coached multiple Model UN sessions as well as debate winners internationally!

Impromptu Speaking & College Interview Boot Camp For High School Students Saturday & Sunday | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Looking to nail that college interview, build unshakable confidence, and speak like a pro—all while having a blast? This high-energy weekend boot camp is designed for high school students who want to think on their feet, speak with clarity, and shine in any situation—whether it’s an interview, a class discussion, or just day-to-day conversations. Through interactive games, group challenges, and fun, fast-paced activities, students will learn how to craft strong, spontaneous responses and speak with presence, purpose, and personality. Saturday: Speak Up, Think Fast We’ll kick things off with: Fun games and warm-ups to break the ice and get comfortable Strategies to overcome speech anxiety and find your voice Quick-thinking structures for answering any kind of question—academic, social, or professional Tips to make any impromptu speech engaging and impactful Lots of chances to practice in a supportive, lively environment Sunday: Spotlight on You Now we bring it all together and apply those skills where they matter most: College interviews, job interviews, and academic Q&A prep How to talk about your accomplishments and goals authentically and confidently Real-time practice with feedback to help you sharpen your answers Focus on content, structure, and delivery—with your unique personality front and center This boot camp is perfect for students who want to build real-world speaking skills while having tons of fun. Whether you're prepping for an interview or just want to walk into any room with more confidence, you’ll leave feeling empowered and ready for anything. Confidence. Clarity. Charisma. And a whole lot of fun. Let’s unlock it all—one impromptu moment at a time!

This is a Level 1 class — ideal for beginners in Grades 5–8! No prior experience necessary. Students MUST be in Grades 5-8 (No exceptions.) ( Not sure which class your student took or what level is right? Just reach out at info@highestspeak.com—we’re happy to help! If they have never taken a class with Highest Speak, our Level 1 is the perfect start!) Talk Trekkers: Intro to Public Speaking (Grades 5–8) This 5-session, interactive class is designed to help middle schoolers become confident, engaging speakers in a supportive, encouraging, and FUN environment. Whether your student wants to speak up more in class, prep for debate, lead presentations, or simply build everyday confidence, this course is the perfect starting point. In this 5-session, small-group course, students will: - Learn the key elements of strong public speaking and explore different types of speeches - Develop strategies to manage stage fright and speak with clarity - Participate in creative public speaking games and on-the-spot speech challenges - Present to the group during every class - Improve their impromptu speaking and speech structuring abilities - Receive individualized feedback from instructors and peers - Practice both prepared speeches and spontaneous speaking Students will explore multiple speaking formats—persuasive, informative, entertaining, and storytelling—to discover their voice and style. Our instructors are not only experienced educators and public speaking coaches—they’re also performers and comedians, so classes are always lively and fun! 💬 Please Note: If there are more than 10 students enrolled, we always have two instructors to ensure personalized attention and feedback. Light assignments may be given. Practicing outside of class helps students apply their new skills and build lasting confidence. 🎤 Bonus Opportunity: Magic Mic Night! All Fall Highest Speak students are invited (for a small fee) to perform at our Halloween-themed Magic Mic Night on Friday, October 24 (7:30-9PM)! Students can share a favorite class piece or a new one (2 minutes max). 🎭 Mandatory rehearsal on Wednesday October 21 (6:00–8:00 PM) or Sunday October 19 (3-5pm) Each performer may bring 2 guests. Spots are limited — sign up ASAP to secure yours!

Level 2 Storytelling & Public Speaking (Grades 2–4) Prerequisite: Students must have completed either Highest Speak’s Previous Tall Tales Storytelling course or our Summer 2025 Creative Writing Class. Please note, Level 1 of our Fall “Talk Trekkers” Class does NOT qualify as a prerequisite for this Level 2 Storytelling course. Winter is the perfect time for magical story writing! With the season’s cozy and inspiring atmosphere, students will be encouraged to create captivating stories filled with imagination and heart. This exciting Level 2 course builds on foundational skills, helping young storytellers and speakers develop greater confidence, creativity, and control. Designed specifically for grades 2 to 4, this class encourages students to explore new storytelling techniques, deepen their understanding of narrative structure, and improve their delivery skills. In this fun, interactive class, students will: - Create longer, more detailed stories and learn how to organize ideas clearly - Practice using expressive voice, gestures, and pacing to engage an audience - Develop skills for both prepared storytelling and impromptu storytelling - Participate in lively storytelling games and activities that sharpen quick thinking - Receive constructive feedback to help improve their storytelling and presentation - Build confidence presenting to peers in a supportive, positive environment Our instructors are experienced educators and performers who know how to keep young learners motivated and excited about public speaking and storytelling. Please note: No Classes on November 11 and Nov 25th for Student Holidays. Assignments will be given to support learning and practice outside of class for best results. Not sure if your child has taken our qualifying courses previously? Please email us at info@highestspeak.com — we’re happy to help recommend the best level for your child! Bonus Opportunity: Students enrolled in this class are eligible to participate in our Friday Evening Winter “Magic Mic” Night on December 12 for a small additional fee! Please register separately if you would like your child to join this fun, special storytelling event.

Welcome to Winter at Highest Speak! No prerequisites necessary — this is a Level 1 introductory storytelling and writing class, perfect for beginner teens and tweens! In this fully interactive, high-energy class, students will have a ton of fun learning the essential elements of effective storytelling, story writing, and story structure. Through hilarious storytelling games and multiple hands-on storytelling assignments, your child will sharpen both their creative writing and public speaking skills. Winter is the perfect time for storytelling! With the season’s cozy vibes and magical atmosphere, students will be inspired to create and share imaginative, captivating stories that bring their ideas to life. Each class includes: - Open Forum: a positive, welcoming discussion to warm up - Mini Lesson: focused on a specific storytelling or performance topic - Speaking Games: fun, fast-paced activities to build creativity and confidence - Assignment: a daily storytelling or writing task to practice new skills For classes with more than 10 students, we provide two instructors to ensure every child receives plenty of individual attention and feedback in smaller breakout groups. Our instructors are not only professional skilled educators, but also stand-up comedians and performers, guaranteeing a fun, engaging, and memorable learning experience for every student! Please note: Assignments are expected to be completed outside of class to help students get the most out of their learning. Bonus Opportunity: Students enrolled in this class are eligible to participate in our Friday Evening Winter “Magic Mic” Night on December 12 for a small additional fee! Please register separately if you would like your child to join this fun, special storytelling event.

🗣️ Talk Rockers! A Public Speaking Workshop for Homeschoolers (Grades 2–4 + Parents!) 🎤 Homeschool families—get ready to laugh, learn, and rock the mic together! Talk Rockers isn’t just a class—it’s a high-energy, hands-on public speaking adventure designed for both kids AND their parents to build confidence and communication skills side by side. We don’t just tell you how our classes work… ✨ We have you EXPERIENCE it! In this free workshop, you’ll: Play fun, fast-paced speaking games Learn how to organize ideas and speak with confidence Practice gestures, voice projection, and eye contact Team up for parent-kid challenges and mini-performances! 🎉 Whether you're new to public speaking or just want to shake off the nerves, Talk Rockers will show you how to turn your voice into your superpower—and have a blast doing it together. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ideal for homeschool families looking to build life skills, confidence, and connection through communication. 📣 PLUS: Come and learn about our exciting new Homeschooler Programs for Fall 2025! We’ll share how our upcoming public speaking classes are designed to support homeschooled learners in building lifelong communication skills—and having a great time doing it. ** PLEASE Only ONE parent per child to attend! ✨ Hosted by Highest Speak—where kids don’t just find their voice… they amplify it.

🎉 Free Fall Frenzy! 🎤 Fundamentals of Public Speaking for Parents and Tweens/Teens (Grades 5-8) 🗓️ Sunday, August 24 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Hosted by Highest Speak We don’t just tell you how our classes work — we have kids AND parents experience it! Join us for a fun, fast-paced, and completely free one-hour workshop where kids (Grades 2–4) and their parents will learn the fundamentals of public speaking through games, movement, and hands-on practice — together! In this session, you'll: 🎤 Learn key performance skills like body language, eye contact, and vocal energy 🎲 Play super fun speaking games that get both kids and parents involved 💡 Get a real feel for the Highest Speak approach — not just by hearing about it, but by doing it! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for families new to public speaking and Highest Speak 📣 Already taken our classes? You may know this material — but come for the fun and games! 🚨 Space is limited! Register today to join the frenzy and experience it for yourself! Please limit to 1 parent with attending child!

This is a Level 1 class — perfect for beginners! No prior experience is necessary. ( Not sure what class your child took before or which level is the best fit? Just reach out at info@highestspeak.com—we’re happy to help! If they have never taken a complete Highest Speak course, this is the perfect starting point!) Talk Trekkers: Intro to Public Speaking This high-energy, small-group class is the perfect launchpad for new public speakers! Designed especially for our beginner Highest Speakers, this 5-session series is incredibly fun, highly interactive, and packed with hands-on learning. Throughout the course, students will: - Explore the fundamentals of effective public speaking and different speech styles - Learn tools to manage public speaking nerves with confidence - Play dynamic speech games and complete fun in-class speaking challenges - Present to the group in every class - Sharpen their quick-thinking and impromptu speaking skills - Receive personalized feedback from the instructor and their peers - Practice both prepared and on-the-spot (impromptu) speeches Students will experiment with a variety of speaking styles, including persuasive, informative, entertaining, and storytelling formats. All of our instructors are professional educators and public speaking coaches—and they’re also experienced performers and comedians—so students can expect to have a blast while they learn! 💬 Please note: No class on Sept. 23 due to Student Holiday. Also, light homework may be assigned, and students get the most out of the class when they take time to practice skills outside of our sessions.

STEAM Tank: Innovate, Speak & Pitch Like a Pro! 💡 For Rising 5th-8th Graders | 5-Day Camp | 3 Hours Per Day Inspired by Shark Tank, this high-energy, hands-on camp blends STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) with public speaking and entrepreneurship! Whether you’re a beginner exploring innovation for the first time or an aspiring entrepreneur ready to bring your ideas to life, this camp will challenge you to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and pitch your ideas with confidence! What You’ll Learn & Do: ✅ Use STEAM to Solve Real-World Problems – Apply science, tech, engineering, art, and math to design creative solutions. ✅ Develop a Business or Product Idea – Brainstorm, prototype, and refine an innovative product or service. ✅ Master Public Speaking & Persuasion – Use voice, body language, and storytelling to deliver a powerful pitch. ✅ Learn Marketing & Branding – Create logos, ads, and persuasive messaging to attract customers. ✅ Create Visual & Digital Presentations – Use posters, models, and digital tools to showcase your brand. ✅ Learn Key Laws on How to Protect Your Business through Intellectual Property! – Understand trademarks, copyrights, and patents to safeguard your ideas. ✅ Pitch to Real Judges! – Present your final project in front of a panel of experienced judges on the last day. Public Speaking + STEAM = The Ultimate Entrepreneurial Skillset! 💬 Learn to: ✔️ Think like an engineer by designing creative solutions for everyday challenges. ✔️ Use technology & math to plan, budget, and improve your business idea. ✔️ Develop artistic & storytelling skills to make your brand memorable. ✔️ Confidently present and defend your ideas with strong public speaking skills. ✔️ Protect your business by understanding basic intellectual property laws. Daily Schedule Breakdown 🔹 Part 1 (First 90 Minutes) STEAM Warm-Up Challenge – Quick hands-on discussions or games to spark creativity & problem-solving. Lesson of the Day – Explore topics like entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, intellectual property, and persuasive speaking. Case Study & Real-World Examples – Analyze successful STEAM-based businesses and inventions. 🍎 20-Minute Snack & Social Break 🔹 Part 2 (Last 90 Minutes) Hands-On STEAM Challenge! – Work solo or in teams to prototype a solution to a real-world problem. Creative Time – Develop branding materials, create visual prototypes, and practice pitching. Mini-Presentations & Feedback – Get real-time coaching to refine your pitch and product. 🎉 Final Shark Tank Pitch Day! – Compete in a high-energy pitch competition where you present to a panel of judges! Led by Instructor: Sumedha Bahri 👩‍🏫 Patent Attorney | Engineer | Expert Speaker | Founder of Highest Speak With a background in law, engineering, and public speaking, Sumedha brings real-world expertise in entrepreneurship, innovation, and persuasive communication. She will mentor campers in developing strong business ideas, building confidence, and mastering the art of the pitch! No matter your experience level, you’ll leave inspired, more confident, and ready to take on the world with your creative ideas! 🚀🦈

Level 2: Public Speaking for Grades 5–8 (MUST BE IN GRADES 5-8! NO EXCEPTIONS) (***Prerequisite: Completion of our full Level 1 course (Grades 5–8) or Summer Fundamentals Bootcamp. If your child completed Level 1 as part of Grades 2–4 and are now in Grades 5-8, they will need to schedule a brief readiness assessment with one of our instructors to determine if they are ready to move up to level 2, or if they would benefit more from our Level 1 class for Grades 5–8. Please email info@highestspeak.com to schedule an online assessment. ) Now that your student has built a strong foundation, it’s time to level up! Our Level 2 course helps students refine and expand their public speaking skills with more structure, deeper content, and a greater focus on delivery, persuasion, and audience engagement. In this 5-session, high-energy course, students will: - Strengthen speech organization and clarity with more complex prompts - Learn how to deliver longer speeches confidently and how to use notecards to prepare effectively instead of memorizing - Master confident delivery techniques including tone, pacing, gestures, and eye contact - Craft stronger openings, memorable closings, and smooth transitions - Explore more advanced speech types—persuasive, informative, motivational, and storytelling - Participate in challenging impromptu speaking activities - Receive in-depth instructor feedback and practical tips for growth - Present in every class, both prepared and off-the-cuff. While still playful and supportive, this course encourages students to dig deeper, speak with intention, and sharpen their presence as young communicators. Whether they’re preparing for school presentations, leadership roles, or competitions, Level 2 equips them with the tools to speak up—and stand out. All of our instructors are experienced public speaking educators and performers, so your child will be learning from experts who make public speaking fun, meaningful, and memorable. 💬 Please Note: Classes with more than 8 students will have two instructors to ensure every student receives individual feedback. Light assignments may be given between classes; outside practice is strongly encouraged. 🎤 Bonus Opportunity: Magic Mic Night! All Fall Highest Speak students are invited to perform at our Halloween-themed Magic Mic Night on Friday, October 24 (7:30-9pm PM)! Students can share a favorite class piece or a new one (2 minutes max). 🎭 Mandatory rehearsal on Wednesday October 21 (6:00–8:00 PM) or Sunday, October 19 from 3-5pm. Each performer may bring 2 guests. Spots are limited — register on our website ASAP to secure yours!

This 8-session, interactive class is designed to help tween and teen hom schoolers become confident, engaging speakers in a supportive, encouraging, and FUN environment. Whether your student wants to speak up more in class, prep for debate, lead presentations, socialize effectively, or simply build everyday confidence, this course is the perfect starting point. In this 8-session, small-group course, students will: - Learn the key elements of strong public speaking and explore different types of speeches - Develop strategies to manage stage fright and speak with clarity - Participate in creative public speaking games and on-the-spot speech challenges - Present to the group during every class - Improve their impromptu speaking and speech structuring abilities - Receive individualized feedback from instructors and peers - Practice both prepared speeches and spontaneous speaking Students will explore multiple speaking formats—persuasive, informative, entertaining, and storytelling—to discover their voice and style. Our instructors are not only experienced educators and public speaking coaches—they’re also performers and comedians, so classes are always lively and fun! 💬 Please Note: Light assignments may be given. Practicing outside of class helps students apply their new skills and build lasting confidence.

This 8-session, interactive class is designed to help tween and teen homeschoolers (Grades 5-8) become confident, engaging speakers in a supportive, encouraging, and FUN environment. Whether your student wants to speak up more in class, prep for debate, lead presentations, socialize more effectively, or simply build everyday confidence, this course is the perfect starting point! In this 8-session, small-group course, students will: - Learn the key elements of strong public speaking and explore different types of speeches - Develop strategies to manage stage fright and speak with clarity - Participate in creative public speaking games and on-the-spot speech challenges - Present to the group during every class - Improve their impromptu speaking and speech structuring abilities - Receive individualized feedback from instructors and peers - Practice both prepared speeches and spontaneous speaking - Practice our group socialization skills through fun discussions and games! Students will explore multiple speaking formats—persuasive, informative, entertaining, and storytelling—to discover their voice and style. Our instructors are not only experienced educators and public speaking coaches—they’re also performers and comedians, so classes are always lively and fun! 💬 Please Note: Light assignments may be given. Practicing outside of class helps students apply their new skills and build lasting confidence. Also, NO CLASS on September 23 due to Student Holiday.

🎤 Talk Trekkers: Level 2 – Confident Communicators Grades 2–4 | 5 Weeks | 1 Hour Per Week (Prerequisite: Talk Trekkers Intro Class or Camp — see below) MUST BE IN GRADES 2-4! If your child has completed our Intro to Public Speaking class or camp, they’re ready for the next step! Level 2 builds on the foundations of content, structure, and performance, helping students grow into more expressive, confident, and purposeful speakers. In this high-energy and supportive course, students dig deeper into their delivery skills while learning how to write, organize, and speak with clarity using notecards — not memorization. We focus on helping young speakers think on their feet while staying organized and strong in their message. 🌟 In Level 2, Students Will: 💡 LEARN - Refine their understanding of speech structure and clarity across storytelling, persuasive, and informative formats - Strengthen vocal control — volume, tone variation, pacing, and expression - Sharpen nonverbal delivery — posture, movement, body language, and eye contact - Learn to write with delivery in mind, crafting speeches that are designed to be spoken out loud - Develop confidence using notecards as speaking tools, not scripts 🎤 DO - Present longer, more thoughtful speeches in a variety of formats - Participate in fun, focused delivery games and challenges - Learn to use notecards to stay organized and natural while speaking - Give and receive peer feedback in a safe, supportive environment 📈 IMPROVE - Receive individualized coaching on both speaking and structure - Practice applying instructor feedback in real-time - Gain tools for rehearsing with notecards and speaking with confidence 📝 End-of-Course Written Assessment Each student will receive a personalized written evaluation from their instructors at the end of the course, including: - A summary of their strengths and progress: - Areas they should continue to build - Specific recommendations to grow as a speaker beyond class 📣 Placement Requirements This is a Level 2 class, designed specifically for students who have completed: ✔️ Our 5–6 week Intro to Public Speaking Class, or ✔️ A Talk Trekkers Public Speaking Camp **Even if your child has taken public speaking elsewhere, they will be still be required to start at Level 1 — our approach, curriculum, and techniques are unique and carefully scaffolded. Not sure which class your child took? Reach out and we’ll be happy to confirm! 🎓 Showcase Night At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to sign up for our themed Showcase Night — a celebratory, low-pressure event where they get to shine for family and friends!

🎉 Free Fall Frenzy! 🎤 Fundamentals of Public Speaking for Parents and Kids (Grades 2–4) 🗓️ Sunday, August 24 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Hosted by Highest Speak We don’t just tell you how our classes work — we have kids AND parents experience it! Join us for a fun, fast-paced, and completely free one-hour workshop where kids (Grades 2–4) and their parents will learn the fundamentals of public speaking through games, movement, and hands-on practice — together! In this session, you'll: 🎤 Learn key performance skills like body language, eye contact, and vocal energy 🎲 Play super fun speaking games that get both kids and parents involved 💡 Get a real feel for the Highest Speak approach — not just by hearing about it, but by doing it! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for families new to public speaking and Highest Speak 📣 Already taken our classes? You may know this material — but come for the fun and games! 🚨 Space is limited! Register today to join the frenzy and experience it for yourself! Please limit to 1 parent with attending child!