Best Brains Learning Centers has announced the launch of Speak Quest, a new public speaking summer camp designed to help children find their voice, build confidence, and develop strong communication skills early on.

At Best Brains, we believe every child has something important to say. Speak Quest is designed to ensure they know how to say it—clearly, confidently, and powerfully. The camp focuses on equipping students with the tools to express themselves effectively in any setting, from classroom presentations to future professional environments.

The Rise in Oracy: Why Public Speaking Matters Now More Than Ever

As modern education systems shift toward practical, real-world skills, oracy—spoken communication—is gaining greater emphasis in classrooms across the globe. Many standardized exams now assess students' ability to speak confidently and organize their thoughts rather than simply reciting memorized information.

This trend signals a significant shift. Communication is no longer just a soft skill but a foundational one. For children, learning to speak well in public is no longer optional; it is essential for academic and lifelong success.

Five Reasons Public Speaking is Essential for Today's Students

1. Confidence that Extends Beyond the Classroom

Children who overcome the fear of public speaking gain more than presentation skills. They develop lasting confidence that supports their academic, social, and emotional growth.

2. Clarity in Communication

Speak Quest teaches children to speak with clarity and purpose. Through structured practice, students improve their verbal expression, body language, and ability to connect with an audience.

3. Stronger Critical Thinking Skills

Crafting and delivering a speech requires organization, logic, and creativity. These skills encourage students to think deeply, analyze topics, and present their ideas meaningfully.

4. Preparation for Real-World Success

From job interviews to leadership opportunities, clear communication remains one of the most valuable skills in any career path. Students in Speak Quest gain early experience in persuasive speaking, storytelling, and spontaneous response.

5. Leadership Development

The ability to influence and inspire starts with effective communication. Children who confidently speak up are likelier to lead projects, voice ideas, and positively impact their communities.

About Speak Quest: Where Confidence Meets Communication

Speak Quest is a dynamic public speaking program offered exclusively at Best Brains. Students will engage in speech writing, improvisation, team challenges, and individual presentations throughout the camp. The experience culminates in a TED-style talk, where each child presents a topic of choice to peers and family.

Designed for students ages 7–14, the camp requires no prior public speaking experience. Whether your child is shy or outgoing, Speak Quest provides a supportive environment where they can grow at their own pace while developing valuable communication tools.

Invest in Skills That Last a Lifetime

Helping children develop their public speaking abilities is one of the most impactful investments parents can make. At Best Brains, we are proud to support that journey through engaging, age-appropriate instruction that makes learning fun and transformative.

Now Enrolling for Summer 2025

Speak Quest will be held at both Keller and Southlake Best Brains locations throughout the summer. Enrollment is now open, and spaces are limited.

For more information or to register your child, visit https://bestbrains.com/summer-camp or contact your local Best Brains center.

The revised STAAR test, implemented in Spring 2023, brings some new writing expectations, particularly for elementary students. Here's a breakdown of the key changes:

Reduced reliance on multiple choice: Gone are the days of solely relying on bubbled answers. The revised STAAR emphasizes constructed response writing, where students demonstrate their understanding through written explanations, arguments, or narratives.

Focus on deeper thinking and analysis: Expect prompts beyond simple recall requiring students to analyze, interpret, and synthesize information. This might involve breaking down complex topics, drawing connections between sources, or forming well-supported claims.

Integration with other subjects: The writing tasks may not be confined to language arts alone. Expect cross-curricular prompts that blend writing with science, social studies, or math. This encourages students to apply their knowledge and skills across different disciplines.

Variety in response formats: While essays remain important, the revised STAAR introduces more diverse writing formats. This could include letters, poems, scripts, charts, or even explanations of mathematical processes. This caters to different learning styles and allows students to showcase their understanding in natural ways.

Emphasis on explanation and justification: Answers are no longer enough. Students are expected to explain their reasoning and justify their claims with evidence. This encourages critical thinking and helps demonstrate their understanding of the underlying concepts.

Online testing environment: The revised STAAR is administered online, which opens up new possibilities for writing tasks. Students might be able to embed images, audio, or video in their responses, further enriching their communication.

Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

• Grading by educators: The online format allows for human scoring by trained educators, potentially leading to more nuanced and accurate assessments of writing skills.
• Lower accountability for students: While the revised STAAR still carries weight, individual student performance no longer directly impacts school ratings. This aims to reduce pressure and create a more supportive learning environment.

If you are concerned about your child's writing skills, please get in touch with Best Brains Learning Center for help.