Students in Ms. Maureen Duncan’s Public Speaking class at London High School recently visited London Elementary School to present their “How-To” speeches to 4th-grade students. This unique collaboration provided a real-world application of the 4th-grade English Language Arts standard focused on sequencing and narrative writing. The standard encourages students to write narratives that develop real or imagined experiences using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences. By watching the older students break down steps in a clear, organized manner, 4th graders experienced sequencing in action and gained insight into how strong communication skills enhance understanding.
Each high school student selected a topic of personal interest and delivered a step-by-step speech on how to complete a task or activity. This year’s creative topics included how to play card games, how to make slime, and how to fold origami. The younger students were highly engaged, and the presentations served as both educational and entertaining. This collaboration not only enriched the learning experience for the 4th graders but also gave high school students a chance to apply their public speaking skills in a meaningful setting. It was a great example of how cross-grade connections can foster deeper learning and build a stronger school community.