“Finally!! My first day of middle school!” yelled Maddie.

Maddie eagerly jumped off of the bus and was the first student to sit down in Mrs. Nelson's class. Today was the day she had been looking forward to—her first day of middle school.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF MIDDLE SCHOOL!!

MRS. NELSON

FIFTH GRADE

Although Maddie was a shy little girl, she was excited to begin her first day. She sat down at her desk and read Mrs. Nelson's board.

Mrs. Nelson began to discuss her goals and assignments that she set for her classroom and for her students.

The longer Mrs. Nelson talked, the more interested Maddie became—until she heard one assignment that made her stomach start to turn.

Starting next month, we will begin giving class presentations!

I have to talk in front of my class? Alone? What if I mess up? What if my classmates laugh at me? What if I freeze and forget what to say?  

Shy, little Maddie quickly became uninterested in what Mrs. Nelson was saying and she started to feel tears in her eyes.

Watching the clock tick and tock, Maddie counted down the minutes until she got to go home. She was scared. She was nervous. She wanted to leave.

Finally, the last bell rang and she was free.

Well, at least that’s what she thought.  

Maddie, is everything okay?

As fast as she could, Maddie tried to be the first one to leave the room, but she he was stopped by Mrs. Nelson. Maddie was still holding back her tears.

I don’t think I can give a class presentation, Mrs. Nelson. I’m scared of failing in front of my classmates. I’m scared of speaking alone.

Mrs. Nelson calmly patted Maddie on the back because she understood her fear. She told Maddie that she had this same fear when she was younger.

Maddie immediately felt relieved to know that she was not the only one who has had these thoughts and fears.

How did you get over your fear of speaking in front of the class?

Let me share my tips and tricks with you by writing them on the board!

1. Don’t think about it as a presentation.

2. Talk to your classmates as you talk to your family and friends.

3. Get comfortable with your topic.

4. Don’t overthink the assignment.

5. Make the assignment your own so you become comfortable and have fun with it!!   

Maddie sat quietly while reading the board.

After reading Mrs. Nelson's five tips and tricks, Maddie felt more comfortable and was ready to face her fear.

Yes! I think I can do this! Thanks, Mrs. Nelson!!

Maddie, do you think you could take these tips home with you and practice?