Last month, my daughter’s teacher gave her an unusual homework assignment: “Interview a neighbor or shopkeeper and record it.” I panicked. She’s 9. She barely talks to waiters at restaurants. How would she pull this off? But then we remembered her PlanetSpark lessons.

Week 1 to 6: They had been practicing communication techniques — how to ask open-ended questions, how to listen actively, how to thank and follow up. Her PlanetSpark teacher had even introduced basic journalism vocabulary. They also practiced body language and facial expressions.

Interview Day: She rehearsed her questions in class. Her teacher role-played the scenario, even pretending to be a “grumpy uncle” to prepare her. I tagged along as she approached our neighborhood grocer. With a small smile and steady voice, she asked him 5 thoughtful questions and recorded the answers on her tablet. She thanked him with a handshake and a giggle.

Final Review in Class: Her teacher praised her posture, tone, and curiosity. He gave her tips on what she could do better, like ending with a summarizing sentence and maintaining eye contact. It was incredible to watch her beam with pride.

The Outcome: She not only submitted her homework confidently but also made a new friend. Now she greets the grocer every time we visit and once even helped him shelve chocolates.

Final Thought: Communication isn’t just about speeches — it’s about connection. And PlanetSpark taught her how to do that. As a parent, I realized speaking skills aren’t just for the stage — they’re for life. This single assignment turned her from a shy observer into an active participant in her world.