6 tips for guest speakers

If you want to make a guest speaker effective with your students, give the speaker this advice well in advance of the visit:

l. Bring lots of props. Children, even older ones, learn best from real objects, photos, models, and stories. Artifacts, souvenirs, and personal anecdotes help children learn. Mock-ups, experiments, and demonstrations make big hits, too.

2. Talk in a simple, clear manner. Ask kids for feedback frequently during the presentation, such as, "Have you ever been to....?" or "Who has ever seen...?" Provide lots of description and examples.

3. Involve the students in the learning. Tell them a story or use toys, crafts, games, drama, or other activities to help the students learn. Kids enjoy "playtime" activities and learn well from them.

4. Entertain the children with surprises, variety, and tricks to keep their attention.

5. Remember that children see the world from a different perspective than adults. Be understanding if they ask personal questions or questions that seem a little off the subject.

6. Appreciate the students' excitement and spontaneity. Kids who are involved in learning are enthusiastic and make spontaneous comments. Sometimes they may lack decorum, but don't be offended!