Below is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you cannot find the answer you need, please contact us and we would be happy to answer your questions
FAQs FOR KIDS GROUP CLASSES
Q. What will my child do in Chatterbox Club group classes?
A. Our programme aims to help children build confidence and skills in drama and public speaking.
Throughout the course of each year, students will begin with introductory activities that will help build the foundations of drama and speaking. As each term progresses new topics and techniques are introduced that are aimed at building on and extending the skills acquired in the previous term.
Each lesson follows a structure. We begin with energisers, vocal warm ups and then move on to our work segments for the week/term. These include storytelling, performance poetry, improvisation, speeches, soap boxing & chat time, comedy, scripts and role play.
Students will also present 3 structured speeches throughout the course of each year and will receive an evaluation and completion certificate after each one.
Towards the end of each semester students will spend some class time rehearsing and ‘polishing’ some of their pieces for presentation at Parent Night.
Students can attend for over 6 years without repeating the same class.
Q. What are the fees?
A. Kids group class fees are per semester and are based on a rate of $20 per class per student. We do not charge joining fees. We run small classes capped at 12 students for juniors and 14 students for seniors and have highly experienced and qualified teachers to ensure stronger learning outcomes. Please contact us directly to discuss fees for private tuition, workshops and school incursion options.
Q. Are there any extra costs apart from the class fees?
A. No. We do not charge any additional fees such as joining fees. The only additional costs would be if your child chooses to participate in extra activities such as eisteddfods and / or exams, in which case you will be only charged the fee charged by the organisers of these activities and any additional lessons your child participates in.
Q. How many students in each group class?
A. Our class sizes are capped at 12 students for juniors and 14 students for seniors. These smaller class sizes allow our teachers to give each student the individual attention and recognition they need to achieve their personal best.
Q. How long do classes run for?
A. The kids group classes run for 55mins.
Q. What if my child misses a class, can we get a refund?
A. There are no discounts or refunds for missed classes, however you may arrange up to 1 make-up class per semester at another venue by calling 9572 5249. Make up classes can only be offered if notice has been given prior to a class being missed.
Q. Can my child join any time of the year?
A. Yes.
Q. What age can my child start attending Chatterbox Club classes?
A. Children can start our programmes from Prep age. If you are unsure or concerned, please give us a call and we will be more than happy to discuss the most suitable class for your child.
Q. Is Chatterbox Club only for shy people?
A. No. Chatterbox Club is for everyone including shy and outgoing people. We have students who join the programme to help build confidence, students who join because they love performing, students who join because they love to speak and others who want to have fun and meet new friends.
Q. Do you do musicals or stage productions at Chatterbox Club kids group classes?
A. No, we don’t do musicals or stage productions. Through our drama & speaking programme we use drama activities such as improvisation, characterisation, role play and script work to help children to develop confidence , creativity and spontaneity. We have 2 parent afternoons/evenings per year and these provide students with the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.
Q. How will I be kept in touch with my child’s development?
A. At Chatterbox Club we provide many opportunities for parents to stay connected with class activities and their child’s development. These include:
- Parent / Guardian Nights: Parents get the opportunity to watch their child during specified nights each semester.
- Written feedback forms will be provided for each student at the end of each semester.
- Phone and email contact: we encourage parents to communicate with teachers should they have queries, concerns or comments.
Q: Are parents allowed to watch the class?
A. Having parents sit in on the class can be distracting for some children and may prevent them from fully participating. For this reason, we ask that parents drop off their child and then pick up at the end of class. You will have the opportunity to see your child display the skills they have learned at parent nights, but if you have any concerns or queries about your child’s progress or behaviour, please feel free to call the office or speak to your child’s teacher after class.
Q. How long do I need to enrol my child for?
A. Enrolments are to be made for a minimum period of one semester. Students can enrol at any time of the year and can pay pro rata for the remainder of the semester. We recommend that parents enrol their child with the intention of staying for at least one year in order to fully experience and participate in the range of drama and speaking activities that have been designed to assist children in becoming confident & competent speakers and performers. Our curriculum has been designed so that a student can be enrolled for 6 years without repeating the same class.
Q: We have 2 or more children in our family that would like to enrol. Do you offer sibling discounts?
A: Yes. We offer a 5% sibling discount for 2 or more children from the same family.
Q: Do the students need any special clothing for the class?
A: No. We recommend students wear clothes that allow them to move freely and which they are comfortable in. Many students come in their school uniforms as they attend class straight after school.
Q. What do children need to bring to group classes?
A. Students are required bring their Chatterbox Club folder to each lesson. This folder has resources and class outlines, and is given to each child when they start the programme. We also recommend that students bring a water bottle.
Q. My child is a little unsure if they want to attend. Can we try out some classes?
A. Yes. If positions are available, we can offer a trial class for your child. The child is free to continue or leave at the end of this class.
Q: Do the students need to do a lot of homework or memorisation of lines?
A. From time to time students will be required to do some preparation for class. This may be memorising some lines from a script, learning a poem or preparing for a short speech presentation. Much of the work is done during class time, however, we encourage students to practise and prepare for some activities at home as we believe this greatly assists their development.
Q: My child is confident at home but quite shy at school. Will drama help?
A. Absolutely! Our classes are designed to increase confidence and self-esteem. We have had many parents and teachers comment on how much more confident the students have become after attending our classes for a semester or more. Our teachers are very supportive. They encourage students to work with each other, support one another, praise each other and work in an environment that is respectful, fun and friendly.
Q: Does my child need any past experience in drama?
A. Our classes are suitable for children of all abilities and no past experience is necessary.
Q. What do I do if my child will be absent?
A. It is important that Chatterbox Club teachers are made aware when any absences are intentional as this allays any fears that a child has not arrived as intended and also allows session planning suitable for participating. Please call Chatterbox Club on 03 9572 5249 or email info@chatterboxclub.com.au with details of your name, your child’s name and the session your child will miss.