Blog for parents

One-to-One or Small Group Speaking Classes: Which Suits Your Child?

By Karishma Shah2 min read
One-to-One or Small Group Speaking Classes: Which Suits Your Child? – illustration

At Speak & Sparkle, we offer two ways to learn: one-to-one personal classes and small groups of just 2 to 4 children. Both are live online with Karishma, and both follow the same structured curriculum. So which is right for your child?

One-to-one classes

In a one-to-one class, the whole session is built around your child.

This often suits children who:

  • are very shy or anxious about speaking in front of other children
  • need to prepare for a specific event, such as a competition, recitation or presentation
  • want to move at their own pace, faster or slower
  • benefit from detailed, personal feedback on every attempt

Benefits: maximum speaking time, a completely personalised plan and full flexibility in what each class focuses on.

Small-group classes (2 to 4 children)

A small group is not a crowded classroom. With only 2 to 4 children, every child still speaks in every class.

This often suits children who:

  • are ready to speak in front of others, even if they're a little nervous
  • enjoy games, teamwork and friendly challenges
  • would benefit from practising debates and discussions with peers
  • learn well by watching and responding to others

Benefits: a real audience to practise with, debate partners, peer encouragement, and the social confidence that comes from speaking to other children.

Quick comparison

One-to-one Small group (2–4)
Speaking time All of the class Plenty for every child
Pace Fully personal Shared by the group
Real audience Teacher Teacher and peers
Debates and discussions With the teacher With other children
Best for Shy children, specific goals Social confidence, teamwork

Can a child switch?

Yes. Some children start one-to-one to build courage, then move to a small group when they're ready for an audience. Others begin in a group and add a few one-to-one sessions before a big event.

Still not sure?

That's what the free trial is for. Karishma will meet your child, see how they respond and recommend the format that fits best.

Book a free trial class and let's find the right fit together.

Written by Karishma Shah
Founder-teacher of Speak & Sparkle, with 15+ years of experience teaching children aged 7–13. More about Karishma

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The first class is free. Come and see how your child responds.