Public Speaking at WHPS
Finding Your Voice. Learning to Use It Well.
Every child has something worth saying. We want children to develop the confidence and skills to express their ideas, speak up for themselves and others, listen thoughtfully, and communicate with clarity and purpose.
Public speaking develops through intentional instruction and everyday opportunities to practice. Our Learning Progressions help teachers recognize each child's strengths, identify meaningful next steps, and build skills that grow increasingly sophisticated over time.
The goal is a child who knows their voice matters and has the confidence and skills to use it thoughtfully.
Practice With Purpose
A Skill That Grows Through Everyday School Life
Children practice speaking throughout the school day: Morning Meetings, serving as class greeters, leading assemblies and events, sharing at publishing celebrations, and presenting culminating work in our Maker Program. Smaller moments matter too, from contributing to a discussion to navigating a disagreement or asking for help.
Teachers use detailed progressions to understand each child's developing skills and select purposeful goals. The examples below offer a parent-friendly view of how those skills grow from TK through 8th grade.
Meaningful practice. Clear goals. A voice that grows stronger with experience.
TK Through 8th Grade
See How Public Speaking Skills Grow
Explore each skill area to see how communication develops over time. These are illustrative developmental pathways, allowing teachers to identify goals based on what each child is ready to learn next.
Volume & Clarity
TK
Uses voice to express wants and needs; may speak briefly in front of familiar adults
K
Speaks clearly in show-and-tell or circle time
1st
Projects voice to be heard across a room
2nd
Speaks clearly with increased projection
3rd
Voice is audible and expressive
4th
Uses tone and volume to match message
5th
Dynamic voice; uses emphasis for impact
6th
Adjusts volume, tone, and emphasis to communicate clearly and effectively
7th
Voice adjusts to message and context
8th
Uses voice with control, expression, and purpose to engage a range of audiences
Eye Contact & Audience Connection
TK
Looks toward a teacher or familiar listener when speaking
K
Begins to look toward listeners while sharing an idea
1st
Looks toward the audience occasionally while speaking
2nd
Connects with listeners by looking up from notes or materials
3rd
Directs attention toward different parts of the audience
4th
Engages listeners throughout the room
5th
Connects with the audience through intentional visual engagement
6th
Maintains audience connection while referring to notes or visuals as needed
7th
Uses visual engagement strategically to emphasize ideas and connect with listeners
8th
Connects confidently with varied audiences through purposeful visual engagement
Body Language
TK
Begins to face listeners and use body position to support communication
K
Learns to stand or sit facing the audience
1st
Starts to use gestures intentionally
2nd
Uses gestures and facial expressions to support meaning
3rd
Controlled posture and movement
4th
Purposeful body movement; avoids distracting habits
5th
Incorporates purposeful gestures and stance
6th
Poised, intentional use of body language
7th
Movement adds presence; supports communication
8th
Confident posture; expressive gestures reinforce meaning
Pacing
TK
Speaks quickly or slowly; pacing not intentional
K
Begins to use more natural pacing with reminders
1st
Uses appropriate pacing with teacher modeling
2nd
Speaks at a steady, appropriate pace
3rd
Smooth pacing without rushing
4th
Well-paced with pauses for effect
5th
Confident and consistent pacing throughout
6th
Pacing shows mastery and intention
7th
Uses silence and pacing for effect
8th
Purposeful rhythm and pacing throughout speech
Audience Awareness
TK
Begins to recognize that others are listening
K
Begins to notice whether listeners are following the topic
1st
Begins to explain ideas to peers
2nd
Considers what peers might not understand
3rd
Adjusts explanation based on audience reaction
4th
Anticipates audience questions or confusion
5th
Tailors message to audience background
6th
Reads and reacts to audience feedback
7th
Engages audience with relevance and tone
8th
Persuasive and adaptive to audience needs
Preparation
TK
Participates in group recitations or chants
K
Practices a short sentence or phrase
1st
Prepares a short presentation with teacher support
2nd
Practices presentation multiple times
3rd
Prepares with written notes or cue cards
4th
Practices independently and makes revisions
5th
Rehearses and adapts for time or format
6th
Practices delivery with minimal notes
7th
Prepares independently and seeks feedback
8th
Plans, refines, and rehearses with autonomy
Content Organization
TK
Shares simple ideas or experiences, beginning to connect them in sequence
K
Tells about a single event with some order
1st
Has a beginning, middle, and end
2nd
Presents ideas in logical order with transitions
3rd
Includes an introduction and conclusion
4th
Organizes speech with strong transitions
5th
Well-developed, logical flow of ideas
6th
Creates cohesive arguments or narratives
7th
Organizes complex ideas with transitions and signposting
8th
Structured speech with layered ideas and clear purpose
Visual Aids
TK
Shares an object, picture, or drawing to help communicate an idea
K
May show an object or drawing
1st
Uses simple visuals or props
2nd
Creates basic posters or digital slides
3rd
Uses visuals to reinforce key points
4th
Designs visuals to clarify or enhance ideas
5th
Polished visuals; integrates with talk
6th
Visuals enhance and are used fluently
7th
Uses advanced tools (e.g., media, charts)
8th
Seamless integration of visuals and media
Response to Questions
TK
Responds to simple questions with words, gestures, or teacher support
K
Answers simple questions about what they have shared
1st
Answers basic follow-up questions
2nd
Responds to 1–2 questions with teacher guidance
3rd
Handles Q&A with short, clear answers
4th
Responds to questions with elaboration
5th
Handles multiple or challenging questions
6th
Responds thoughtfully and stays on message
7th
Handles follow-up questions with evidence and poise
8th
Responds flexibly with composure and depth
Confidence
TK
May need adult encouragement to speak in group
K
Beginning to speak in front of class with support
1st
Shows growing comfort in classroom presentations
2nd
Begins to show poise in front of peers
3rd
Demonstrates calm and interest while speaking
4th
Appears self-assured and knowledgeable
5th
Speaks with confidence and composure
6th
Shows strong self-awareness as a speaker
7th
Speaks with authority and enthusiasm
8th
Communicates with confidence, composure, and a clear sense of purpose
Elementary at WHPS
See Student Voices Grow
Visit WHPS to see how speaking, listening, leadership, reflection, and self-advocacy become part of everyday school life.