Activity: Host a Mini TED-Style Talk Event at Home

Perfect for: Indoors, especially on quiet afternoons

Best for: Kids aged 8+ (builds confidence, communication, curiosity, and critical thinking)

Activity Description:

Turn your living room into a mini TED Talk stage and invite your kids to share what they care about most. They’ll choose a topic they’re passionate about—anything from saving sea turtles to why video games matter—and prepare a 2–5 minute talk. This encourages public speaking, organization of ideas, and discovering what matters to them. It’s a celebration of voice and values.

1. Choose a Passion or Idea Worth Sharing

Ask:

• “What’s something you love learning about?”
• “What do you wish more people knew?”
• “What’s a message you want to share with the world?”

Topics could include:

• How recycling can save animals
• Why kindness is the most powerful force
• Why I love space and want to explore it
• The invention I’d love to build one day
• Why my pet is secretly a genius

Let them pick what excites them.

2. Help Them Prepare and Structure It

Guide them to create a short outline:

• A strong opening (“Have you ever…?” or “Did you know…?”)
• A story, example, or explanation
• A cool fact or surprising idea
• A big message to end on (“So I hope you’ll remember to…”)

Optional: Use index cards, slides, or props.

3. Create the TED Stage Experience

Set up a “stage” using a lamp as a spotlight. Add chairs for the audience and make signs like:

“Today’s Talks: Ideas That Matter”

You can even film it and make a fun thumbnail for each talk.

Encourage confident speaking, eye contact, and passion.

4. Invite Feedback and Applause

Let other family members clap, ask questions, and praise their strengths:

• “You explained that so clearly!”
• “Your message really made me think.”
• “I loved your story about…”

Optional: Give out certificates like “Best Use of Humor” or “Most Inspiring Message.”

5. Reflect and Repeat

Ask:

• “What did you learn about sharing ideas?”
• “What’s another topic you’d like to speak about next time?”
• “What did it feel like to teach others something important?”

You can make it a monthly tradition and even let kids host and MC it next time!

This activity unlocks confidence, self-discovery, and voice—and it’s fun, too.

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