My daughter, Dhvani, is super chatty at home. She tells me long stories about her toys. Like, how her teddy went to school, forgot lunch, and came back crying. 😂

But the moment someone else talks to her — a neighbor, teacher, or even grandparents — she shuts down. No eye contact. No voice. Just hiding behind me or holding my leg tight.

Even in school PTM, teachers told me, “She’s sweet, but very quiet. Doesn’t participate much.”

That’s when I thought — maybe it’s time we help her express herself better. Not to become a leader or anchor or anything big. Just… to be able to speak without fear.

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How I Found PlanetSpark

I saw an ad on Instagram. PlanetSpark — public speaking classes for kids. My first thought:
“Isn’t 5 too early?”

But then I thought… I put her in dance, drawing, even phonics class. Why not something for speaking?

I booked a trial class. Thought: Let’s just try and see.

The First Class — She Froze Like a Statue

Dhvan sat on the chair in front of the laptop. Cute little ponytail, all ready.
The teacher came on video call. Said “Hi Dhvani!” very sweetly.

You know what Dhvan did?

Nothing. 😶
Just stared blankly at the screen.
Then slowly looked at me and whispered, “Mumma I don’t want to talk.”

I felt bad. Maybe this was a mistake.

But the teacher (her name was Bhavna Ma’am) handled it so nicely! She didn’t force her.
She said, “It’s okay, Dhvani. Let’s just play a small game.”
They played a color game. Then she asked her about her favourite cartoon (Cocomelon, of course).
And slowly… Dhvani smiled.
Then giggled.
And then… said her first word: “Banana!” (from the rhyme 😆)

I literally had tears in my eyes. Not kidding.

Week 1: Tiny Steps

First week was all about warming up. Simple things.

• Talking about her favourite food (chocolate dosa 😅)

• Acting like animals (She ROARED like a lion!)

• Saying her name, class, and what she likes

One day, Bhavna Ma’am asked her to tell a short story. Dhvani said:

“Once upon time, one dog went to park… and he fell in water. Then he go home.”

Story didn’t make full sense, but she SPOKE! On her own!

Week 2 to 4: Big Changes (Small But Big for Me)

Every week, I noticed small changes:

• She started raising hand in school.

• She told her nani, “Today I told a story in class!”

• At restaurant, she told waiter, “Uncle, I want mango juice.”

Earlier, she used to whisper in my ear, and I used to order for her. Now she does it herself.

One day she stood on the bed and gave a “speech” to all her toys:

“Good morning everyone, today topic is rainbow. Rainbow have red, blue, orange and… burger colour.”

😂 Okay, wrong info… but 10/10 for effort!

What I Liked About PlanetSpark

I’ll be simple and honest:

1. Teacher is very kind – no scolding, no pressure. Full support.

2. Class is fun – not boring. Lots of games, drawing, actions.

3. One-on-one – just her and teacher. So she feels safe and free.

4. Confidence building – not only English, but how to speak up, smile, be bold.

Is 5 Years Too Young? My Answer Now…

I used to think “Arre, abhi toh chhoti hai. What’s the hurry?”
But now I say — 5 is the PERFECT age.
At this age, kids are like sponge. They pick up fast. And if you teach them confidence early, they carry it forever.

It’s not about big speeches or competitions. It’s about helping them not feel scared to speak.

Even we adults struggle with that sometimes, no?

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Things Other Parents Ask Me

Q: Did she ever cry or say she doesn’t want to go?
Yes, 1 or 2 times she said “Mumma no class today please.” I said okay, and we skipped. No pressure. Next day she was back.

Q: Is it too academic or difficult?
Not at all. No heavy homework. Just fun speaking stuff. Like “Tell me a story about a talking tree” or “Act like your favourite animal.”

Q: Did you see real improvement?
YES. In 1 month, she went from shy-shy to “Look at me Mumma, I’m a teacher now!” 😄

Final Words from a Happy (and Proud) Parent

If you're a parent wondering, “Isn’t this too early?”
I understand. I was also thinking the same.
But after seeing Dhvani bloom, I can say… it was the best decision.

Public speaking at 5 doesn’t mean debates and big words. It means helping your child speak their mind, share stories, and feel brave.

So no, it’s not too soon.
It’s just right.

And I’m so glad we did it with PlanetSpark.