April 21, 2026

The art of oratory skill has been an important part of ECCS for many years, so when 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Victoria Chandler, introduced the idea of Speech Meet, it was a natural progression. The event for 2nd through 5th graders is focused around speaking confidently and winsomely in public with the goal of blessing others.

While it’s not something we’re familiar with in the south, Mrs. Chandler says that Speech Meet is common among classical schools, especially west of the Mississippi. 

“I think it fits beautifully with our school mission,” Mrs. Chandler adds. “Our faith as Christians is based on the Word, Jesus Christ. The Word is creative and life-giving. Our goal at ECCS is to train our students as image-bearers to speak winsomely and convey truth in a manner that lovingly persuades and blesses, ultimately leading others into a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Speech Meet is meant to teach our students that all communication is a gift to bless others. As they learn how to speak with clarity, poise, and meaningful expression, they learn that their words are gifts for the sake of the listener, not for themselves. 

“If we can give them these tools in their toolbox during the Grammar years, by the time they get to the Logic phase, and they start wielding thoughts and asking ‘why,’ they will be able to articulate well to other people,” says Mrs. Chandler. “It’s so much more than public speaking. Everything we do here is with purpose, and it is to shape these children so they aren’t just virtuous scholars, but virtuous scholars that will go out and spread the love of Christ to the world. Teaching them how to speak well is one piece of the puzzle.”

A few months before Speech Meet, students chose what they would recite from a wide selection of Bible passages, poems, speeches, and literary prose that exposed them to language that is beautiful, delightful, and wise. The selections were curated to align with the different historical, Biblical, and literary focus in each particular grade.

Mrs. Chandler says it was definitely a “grand experiment,” but with a foundation for speech already in place, the teachers were able to hit the ground running, creating S.P.E.A.K skills, coupled with seven different training methods they taught over the six weeks leading up to Speech Meet. The students were well prepared in class for their presentations in February. 

“I was SO proud of the performances! To watch the children walk up to the microphone, introduce themselves, and give their recitations so beautifully, ending with a crisp, ‘Thank you,’ was a sight to behold. They were given the opportunity to work toward a goal and watch themselves succeed – a wonderful way to build confidence!” says Mrs. Chandler.

All students recited their selections for classmates and teachers on an initial date, and they did receive a rating based on various criteria. The two students with the highest score then went on to present at the Speech Meet Showcase a few weeks later, when parents and family members were invited to attend. 

“Parents and even grandparents have expressed that their children and grandchildren are being taught how to speak well.,” says Mrs. Chandler. “Teaching children at an early age how to speak in a public setting builds them into articulate and confident young men and women who are equipped to love their neighbor well through speech.”

Mrs. Chandler says she and other teachers are already thinking about next year and how to improve on the foundation that’s been laid this year. Her hope is that one day Speech Meet will be common among classical schools in our area.