Kids study radio in the holidays
While some kids are making arts and crafts during the school holidays, others are preparing for a career in radio.
Media Kids, an educational programme in New Plymouth, teaches children how to develop research and interview techniques as well as gain confidence in public speaking.
‘‘A lot of people see the benefits of it in confidence, simply because being heard makes you confident,’’ organiser Olena Williams said. ‘‘I enjoy seeing the changes in them. They’re so responsive; you can see changes in them basically in 20 minutes.’’
The two-day programme includes learning how to write and prepare for radio, voice exercises including tongue twisters to aid clear pronunciation, asking openended questions and seeing how a radio station operates. They also have homework, such as interviewing their parents.
‘‘Communication, basically, is the main skill.
‘‘It’s a skill that can take people far.’’
Communication is as much about how something is said as it is about what you say, she said.
The programme was held in New Plymouth at the Novotel Hotel and the Most FM community radio station, which were great supporters of Media Kids, she said.
‘‘I think it’s a great way especially if you want to start a radio show or just to get some public speaking confidence,’’ 11-year-old Aidan Williams said.
‘‘I don’t just have to stay at the back of the crowd; I can step forward and have confidence,’’ Asher Ryan, also 11, said.
Williams said it was a ‘‘passion project’’ for her – she doesn’t make any money and usually loses money, despite the price of $99 per child.
She also teaches the kids how to attract the attention of an adult, especially in this day and age when mum and dad are on their smart devices.
‘‘We don’t realise how much of a problem it is.’’
The programme will run again in January.