Activities, Camps and After School Classes in Reston, VA

Level 2 Storytelling & Public Speaking (Grades 5–8) Class Length: 1 hour and 15 minutes Prerequisite: Students who completed any Highest Speak Summer 2026 Camp are eligible for this Level 2 course. Students who completed a Highest Speak course during the 2025–2026 school year may also qualify depending on the course completed and prior experience. Please contact us at info@highestspeak.com and we will be happy to confirm eligibility. ****Students beginning with Level 1 this Fall should continue with the Level 1 course sequence and are not yet eligible for Level 2. Great speakers know how to tell great stories! Whether giving a presentation, sharing an idea, delivering a speech, or speaking on the spot, strong storytelling skills help students connect with an audience and make their message memorable. This engaging Level 2 course is designed for students in grades 5–8 who are ready to build on their foundational skills and take their storytelling and public speaking to the next level. Students will develop more sophisticated stories, strengthen their writing and organization, and learn how to deliver their ideas with greater confidence, creativity, and impact. In this fun, interactive class, students will: Create engaging, well-structured stories with strong openings, clear progression, and memorable endings Develop richer stories using descriptive details, character development, dialogue, conflict, and other creative techniques Strengthen organization and learn how to shape ideas into compelling narratives Use vocal variety, pacing, pauses, gestures, facial expressions, and movement to bring stories to life Practice both prepared storytelling and impromptu speaking Participate in creative storytelling games and speaking challenges that build quick thinking and confidence Receive constructive feedback and learn how to use it to strengthen both content and delivery Build greater confidence presenting original stories and ideas in front of an audience Our instructors are experienced educators and performers who create an encouraging, high-energy environment where students can take creative risks, develop their individual speaking style, and continue growing as confident communicators. Please note: Assignments will be given throughout the course to support preparation and practice outside of class for the best results. Questions about Level 2 eligibility? Please email us at info@highestspeak.com. We’re happy to review your child’s previous Highest Speak experience and recommend the appropriate level.

Highest Squeakers: Introduction to Storytelling A five-session adventure for kindergarten and first grade! Little voices, big imaginations! In this playful introduction to storytelling, children will practice speaking confidently about themselves, explore how emotions bring stories to life, and learn basic story structure: a beginning, middle, and end. They’ll create their own stories and perform them for the class, discovering the joy of sharing their ideas with an audience. Each session includes fun games, imaginative activities, plenty of speaking practice, and encouraging feedback. Along the way, students will build confidence and practice Highest Speak’s key fundamentals, including clear voices, expressive delivery, and eye contact. Our small group classes always have two to three instructors, ensuring every child receives plenty of individual attention, encouragement, and feedback to help them grow. With the holidays approaching, what could be more fun than storytelling? Let’s turn their imagination into stories they can’t wait to share!

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.

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.

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.

Level 2 Storytelling & Public Speaking (Grades 5–8) Class Length: 1 hour and 15 minutes Prerequisite: Students who completed any Highest Speak Summer 2026 Camp are eligible for this Level 2 course. Students who completed a Highest Speak course during the 2025–2026 school year may also qualify depending on the course completed and prior experience. Please contact us at info@highestspeak.com and we will be happy to confirm eligibility. ****Students beginning with Level 1 this Fall should continue with the Level 1 course sequence and are not yet eligible for Level 2. Great speakers know how to tell great stories! Whether giving a presentation, sharing an idea, delivering a speech, or speaking on the spot, strong storytelling skills help students connect with an audience and make their message memorable. This engaging Level 2 course is designed for students in grades 5–8 who are ready to build on their foundational skills and take their storytelling and public speaking to the next level. Students will develop more sophisticated stories, strengthen their writing and organization, and learn how to deliver their ideas with greater confidence, creativity, and impact. In this fun, interactive class, students will: Create engaging, well-structured stories with strong openings, clear progression, and memorable endings Develop richer stories using descriptive details, character development, dialogue, conflict, and other creative techniques Strengthen organization and learn how to shape ideas into compelling narratives Use vocal variety, pacing, pauses, gestures, facial expressions, and movement to bring stories to life Practice both prepared storytelling and impromptu speaking Participate in creative storytelling games and speaking challenges that build quick thinking and confidence Receive constructive feedback and learn how to use it to strengthen both content and delivery Build greater confidence presenting original stories and ideas in front of an audience Our instructors are experienced educators and performers who create an encouraging, high-energy environment where students can take creative risks, develop their individual speaking style, and continue growing as confident communicators. Please note: Assignments will be given throughout the course to support preparation and practice outside of class for the best results. Questions about Level 2 eligibility? Please email us at info@highestspeak.com. We’re happy to review your child’s previous Highest Speak experience and recommend the appropriate level.

Level 2 Storytelling & Public Speaking (Grades 5–8) Class Length: 1 hour and 15 minutes Prerequisite: Students who completed any Highest Speak Summer 2026 Camp are eligible for this Level 2 course. Students who completed a Highest Speak course during the 2025–2026 school year may also qualify depending on the course completed and prior experience. Please contact us at info@highestspeak.com and we will be happy to confirm eligibility. ****Students beginning with Level 1 this Fall should continue with the Level 1 course sequence and are not yet eligible for Level 2. Great speakers know how to tell great stories! Whether giving a presentation, sharing an idea, delivering a speech, or speaking on the spot, strong storytelling skills help students connect with an audience and make their message memorable. This engaging Level 2 course is designed for students in grades 5–8 who are ready to build on their foundational skills and take their storytelling and public speaking to the next level. Students will develop more sophisticated stories, strengthen their writing and organization, and learn how to deliver their ideas with greater confidence, creativity, and impact. In this fun, interactive class, students will: Create engaging, well-structured stories with strong openings, clear progression, and memorable endings Develop richer stories using descriptive details, character development, dialogue, conflict, and other creative techniques Strengthen organization and learn how to shape ideas into compelling narratives Use vocal variety, pacing, pauses, gestures, facial expressions, and movement to bring stories to life Practice both prepared storytelling and impromptu speaking Participate in creative storytelling games and speaking challenges that build quick thinking and confidence Receive constructive feedback and learn how to use it to strengthen both content and delivery Build greater confidence presenting original stories and ideas in front of an audience Our instructors are experienced educators and performers who create an encouraging, high-energy environment where students can take creative risks, develop their individual speaking style, and continue growing as confident communicators. Please note: Assignments will be given throughout the course to support preparation and practice outside of class for the best results. Questions about Level 2 eligibility? Please email us at info@highestspeak.com. We’re happy to review your child’s previous Highest Speak experience and recommend the appropriate level.

Level 2 Storytelling & Public Speaking (Grades 5–8) Class Length: 1 hour and 15 minutes Prerequisite: Students who completed any Highest Speak Summer 2026 Camp are eligible for this Level 2 course. Students who completed a Highest Speak course during the 2025–2026 school year may also qualify depending on the course completed and prior experience. Please contact us at info@highestspeak.com and we will be happy to confirm eligibility. ****Students beginning with Level 1 this Fall should continue with the Level 1 course sequence and are not yet eligible for Level 2. Great speakers know how to tell great stories! Whether giving a presentation, sharing an idea, delivering a speech, or speaking on the spot, strong storytelling skills help students connect with an audience and make their message memorable. This engaging Level 2 course is designed for students in grades 5–8 who are ready to build on their foundational skills and take their storytelling and public speaking to the next level. Students will develop more sophisticated stories, strengthen their writing and organization, and learn how to deliver their ideas with greater confidence, creativity, and impact. In this fun, interactive class, students will: Create engaging, well-structured stories with strong openings, clear progression, and memorable endings Develop richer stories using descriptive details, character development, dialogue, conflict, and other creative techniques Strengthen organization and learn how to shape ideas into compelling narratives Use vocal variety, pacing, pauses, gestures, facial expressions, and movement to bring stories to life Practice both prepared storytelling and impromptu speaking Participate in creative storytelling games and speaking challenges that build quick thinking and confidence Receive constructive feedback and learn how to use it to strengthen both content and delivery Build greater confidence presenting original stories and ideas in front of an audience Our instructors are experienced educators and performers who create an encouraging, high-energy environment where students can take creative risks, develop their individual speaking style, and continue growing as confident communicators. Please note: Assignments will be given throughout the course to support preparation and practice outside of class for the best results. Questions about Level 2 eligibility? Please email us at info@highestspeak.com. We’re happy to review your child’s previous Highest Speak experience and recommend the appropriate level.

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.

3.5-Hour Workshop | December 2026 | Empowering, Interactive, and Confidence-Building Everyone has a story worth telling—including YOU! Whether you're sharing a personal achievement, describing a challenge you've overcome, or talking about your future goals, knowing how to tell your story is a powerful life skill! In this engaging, hands-on workshop, students will learn simple, effective PERFORMANCE skills to always come across confident and engaging! Also, they will focus on simple storytelling STRUCTURES to confidently communicate their experiences, strengths, and aspirations. Through fun activities, interactive exercises, and real-time practice, students will discover how to turn everyday experiences into compelling stories that make an impact! 🔑 Workshop Highlights: Own Your Achievements: Learn how to confidently talk about personal accomplishments, strengths, and successes—without feeling like you're bragging! Turn Challenges Into Powerful Stories: Use storytelling structures to describe obstacles, lessons learned, and personal growth in a way that demonstrates resilience and character. Share Your Goals With Confidence: Learn how to communicate your ambitions, what motivates you, and the steps you're taking toward your future. Learn Storytelling Structures: Discover easy-to-use frameworks that help organize thoughts, create engaging narratives, and deliver stories with clarity and impact. Use Your Stories Everywhere: Practice applying these skills to college and scholarship interviews, school presentations, leadership opportunities, everyday conversations, and more! Students will receive personalized feedback from instructors and peers in a supportive, encouraging environment, with plenty of opportunities to practice and improve. Your experiences matter. Your achievements deserve to be heard. Your story is worth sharing! Join us this December and learn how to tell it with confidence! Help your High Schooler start 2027 with a NEW found confidence!

Reston Town Center is a hub of culture, dining, and entertainment, making your workshop a perfect addition to your plans. Whether you’re planning a date night, group activity, or just looking for something creative to do, your candle-pouring experience offers the ideal blend of fun and personalization.