Guest Speaker Ideas for Elementary Students

Good teachers include time for guest speakers throughout the year. If you have an elementary student, you should ask yourself what you want your children to know. There are so many things children can be exposed to and learn from with the right speaker and the right teacher. What would you like your child to learn about? Here are a few ideas that you can suggest to your child's teacher for a guest speaker.

Kids Self Defense/Safety - Elementary school students need to be taught about "stranger danger" and predators. This is the age that most children disappear. This is not a topic to scare children, but to keep them safe. It needs to be a priority for children. The speaker should be knowledgeable enough to show moves that children can do to keep themselves safe.

Senator or Congressman - One of the "jobs" my daughter says she wants is political. She wants to be President of the United States. As a child, she does not know how laws are made, what a president does, or even the path a person takes to become president. Obviously, you would not be able to have the president speak at all the elementary schools, but a politician would be just as good. If it is an election year for the local politician, the politician would probably like to go to a school to speak and meet all the parents that are constituents.

Police Department/Fire Department/EMT Representative - Children are fascinated with firetrucks, police cars, and rescue squads. An interesting way to expand their knowledge is to bring their interests to them. A representative might even be able to bring a vehicle for the kids to inspect. If the school permits, maybe the class can even turn on the sirens and lights.

Solar Energy Consultant - Cocoa, Florida has a unique opportunity to use solar energy instead of electric. Florida Solar Panels even supplies free solar panels for homeowners wanting to use solar energy in place of electric. A representative could explain energy and solar panels. The children could get a science lesson related to real life.

Animal Control Specialist or Humane Society Representative - Kids usually like animals. Having someone talk about different types of animals, animal behaviors, and what people should do around animals would educate the children and even protect them in the future. Adults sometimes take for granted that their child will not touch a stray animal. An adult might forget to tell their child what they should and should not do in a certain situation. An animal control specialist can probably explain some possible scenarios.

Suggest a few ideas to the teacher and see if he or she would like you to set up appointments. The teacher may give you scheduled times that are good for the class or she may leave it up to you to set appointments. If you are not interested in making appointments, maybe write your suggestions in a note letting her know you do not know anyone interested in speaking, but you have a few ideas for what you would like your child to learn. The teacher will probably be glad that you are taking an interest in your child's education.