Six California Avenue School students addressed classmates this spring during the school’s first official TED-Ed Student Talks showcase, presenting speeches tied to the school’s core values of respect, safety, collaboration, inclusivity and excellence.
The fourth- and fifth graders took part in a months-long preparation process that began in November and included drafting, revising and practicing speeches during regular lunch meetings.
“It was a great experience for our scholars because they had a chance to grow their speaking skills, build confidence and share ideas that matter,” Assistant Principal Natasha Garrett said.
The program replaced an earlier school-based initiative known as Cougar Talk after staff learned of TED-Ed’s student talk curriculum through Grand Avenue Elementary School, led by Paul Weiss.
The talks was presented during school hours because the staff wanted to reinforce a shared school culture.
“We thought it would be a great idea to do it during a school day so that the students would be there,” Garrett said. “Our scholars would be able to share messages centered around our core values, and the impact it had on them.”
Students were selected from the school’s Core Values Ambassadors and Cougar Collaborators programs based on teacher recommendations and demonstrated leadership.
Each student based their talk on one core value, connecting it to personal experience.
Jayden Saint-Lot, in “Living Our Core Values Every Day,” described his transition from Haiti to New York and said California Avenue School’s Core Values helped him adjust. He also highlighted how small acts of kindness can affect others.
Kailyn Bennett focused on “Inclusivity”, recalling inviting a classmate who was alone at recess to join her group. She shared how a small invitation can help others feel welcomed and included.
Rueben Campbell discussed emotional “Safety” and how supportive environments build confidence and encourage self-expression. He used his experience as a student performer he stressed how encouragement can help students succeed.
Nicholas Rivera challenged the idea that “Excellence” equals perfection, describing persistence through a difficult class assignment. He also discussedabout students’ growth and success from challenges.
Jeremiah Persaud reflected on “Respect”, drawing inspiration from his great-grandfather’s World War I service. Persaud connected his personal experience to everyday acts of kindness and responsibility.
Ava Campbell described “Collaboration” through examples from a science project and Step Team experience. She said, when individuals work they can accomplish more than alone.
Iriana Crosswell, one teacher who helped organize the event said students initially struggled with nerves but showed growth through repeated practice and feedback.
“From their first draft to the final presentation, the students grown grew significantly,” Crosswell said. “Some students weren’t comfortable with public speaking, and you wouldn’t even be able to tell based on our final performance.”
They grew a lot and the program helped students develop public speaking and leadership skills,” she added.
Their goals were to help their students go out in the world and be leaders. They wanted them to be confident and be able to use their voice to make an impact.
By Stacy Driks