Part five of this six-part series offers insights into Clairbourn’s educational philosophy and the foundational elements of the program which have led to noteworthy accomplishments by its alums.
As many people soon find out, having a great point of view, idea, or service is only as good as one’s ability to effectively get the word out. There has to be consideration for compelling messaging combined with finding one’s audience and engaging them to respond with their time, attention, and money.
Those abilities are in evidence among the Clairbourn alumnae who started the Madhatter Knits foundation in 2014 when a fourth grade knitting lesson led them to create a nonprofit for making premature baby hats to donate to hospitals.
Except for Tiffany Chang and Sara Lowin who were in the same grade together, the other executive directors of the foundation, including Kimberly Chang and Christie & Kathryn Huang, were in different grades ranging from first up to high school freshman. But all of them had early exposure in finding their voice as a result of Clairbourn’s public speaking program.
Starting as early as Grade 1, Clairbourn students gain public speaking and messaging experience by conducting Morning Assembly meetings and by sharing announcements in front of the student body, parents, and teachers. This exposure, which is carefully designed to be a positive experience, is combined with opportunities for oral presentations in class, recording videos for service projects, performing in musicals or drama productions, and participating in a bi-annual Poetry Alive activity. As students move up through the grades, they are able to present and perform in smaller groups or as individuals to establish more confidence.
This comfort with public speaking and messaging is evident in every aspect of how the Madhatter Knits founders present themselves today. They are great at spreading the word about what they do, both in person and through a variety of channels including web, social media, radio, and TV. Clairbourn’s public speaking program and technology training provided a solid foundation for developing their skills, which today has allowed them to capture media attention and a growing number of supporters across the world.
Founding President Tiffany Chang, in an earlier alumni profile, was celebrated for her messaging skills regarding an award-winning public-service video she created called, “Leaders of Tomorrow During the Pandemic.” This heartfelt response to the disruption of students and their studies, due to worldwide stay-at-home orders, reveals a path out of hopelessness by illustrating new possibilities for students to still have bright futures. The video was entirely conceptualized, animated, and narrated by Tiffany, and she is quick to give credit for her optimistic outlook on life to Clairbourn. She shares, “I will always be grateful that Clairbourn has taught me to look at the positive side of every situation and to stay optimistic even during the most difficult times. I will never forget the important life lessons instilled in me.”
In addition to having the ability to formulate a worthwhile and resonant message, her video also showcases the value of developing early technical and artistic skills, both of which students experience at Clairbourn. Tiffany’s video won a national Young Artist Award from the Center for Future Global Leaders and received publicity on social media, blogs, and local news.
Then, in of October 2020, the story about the award-winning video and Madhatter Knits organization was picked up by the KAZN AM1300 radio station, and Tiffany and Christie were invited to speak about how they became involved with starting a nonprofit. Both young women handled this public speaking opportunity with ease. Sharing the story in Mandarin, Tiffany explained how her fourth grade teacher at Clairbourn donated her time to teach her to knit. Then Christie explained how her hospital volunteer work inspired the connection between Tiffany’s new knitting skill and a need for NICU preemie hats at hospitals.
Additional videos produced by Madhatter Knits provide good examples of their comfort with public speaking and technology and can be seen in their “Preemie Beanie Knitting Tutorial,” created by Kimberly Chang, as well their “Maternal Protection Care Kit” video made by Tiffany Chang and Gracie Sandman. The care kit video illustrates the how pregnant women are a special at-risk group for COVID-19 complications and explains they have a better chance to stay safe by using the kit supplies. These videos are published on their website and across their social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
More publicity came from a Los Angeles Magazine article covering their COVID-19 relief efforts to provide infant face shields. This led to a high-profile interview with Georgina Fang for Taiwan’s Focus 360, a Chinese language television show similar to 60 minutes or 20/20. Tiffany Chang and Christie Huang were the main interview subjects and Kimberly Chang and Kathryn Huang were also part of the program demonstrating the product. A noteworthy part of the show was Tiffany’s professional response to a CDC update stating that infant face shields were no longer recommended for children under the age of two. Tiffany explained that despite demand for the face shields, Madhatter Knits would no longer make them but instead would redouble their efforts explore new ways to protect premature infants. The show aired on October 11 on TVBS (Channel 56) and is now available to watch on Youtube.
All of these successful videos and media interactions grew from early public speaking opportunities and technology exposure at Clairbourn. Because 25% of the population is prone to the fear of public speaking, it behooves parents to consider how they can help their child reach their full potential and sidestep this common obstacle with proper early training.
As evidenced by the experiences of alumnae Tiffany, Christie, Kimberly, and Kathryn, Clairbourn is powerful partner in helping children gain comfort in public speaking so they are free to share their valuable solutions and ideas. The program not only ensures that students are comfortable with sharing ideas publicly, but that they also have worthwhile ideas to share—all of which are important parts of a growth mindset-based education.
PART 6 dives deeper into the story of Tiffany Chang and her fellow alumnae at Madhatter Knits and shows how Clairbourn’s culture of giving helps awaken students to their abilities to cultivate community involvement and support around issues that matter.
Clairbourn School Provides Private School Education for Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Middle School Grades | Serving Families in the Pasadena, California, Area and Surrounding Cities (K-12 Private Schools) Clairbourn is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Click here to request information.
Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart