Inspire - Five of the best TED Talks for kids

It’s important that we open our children’s minds to big ideas from a young age and show them that the world is full of clever and creative people to aspire to be like. A great way to encourage this way of thinking is to introduce them to TED Talks. We’ve highlighted five of our favourite TED Talks for kids to get your children’s mind whirring!

[Link href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVvn8dpSAt0" text="Underwater Astonishments]

This video by geologist David Gallo will blow your children’s minds. Gallo goes into his passion for the underwater world, including tours of the deeper and shallower seas. The luminescent displays of the creatures of the deep and the incredible camouflage tricks of shallow water octopus will be enough to amaze them. However, it’s the idea that there are so many incredible things that we could learn about that proves the biggest takeaway of this video.

Key quote: “And in a place where we thought no life at all, we find more life… there’s still 97%, and either that 97% is empty or just full of surprises.”

Ages 5+

[Link href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1vskiVDwl4" text="10 Ways To Have a Better Conversation]

This TED talk is given by radio host Celeste Headlee, who provides expert advice on how to have a better conversation. If you consider how much children interact via a screen, you’ll know that there’s no better time for face-to-face conversation skills to be made a priority. It might seem like an underwhelming subject but if your child can find happiness, support or knowledge in the simple act of talking and listening, we think that’s pretty amazing.

Key quote: “There’s no reason to show you’re paying attention if, in fact, you are actually paying attention.”

Ages 7+

[Link href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lXYZ6s3Dfk" text="Nature. Beauty. Gratitude.]

This TED Talk will have your child excited about the beauty of nature. Filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg has created beautiful time-lapse imagery of trees, fruit, insects and flowers which are truly stunning alone. However, the pairing of this footage with words of perspective from a little girl and an elderly man drives home the idea that everyone needs to be more grateful for nature and connect ourselves to it.

Key quote: “It’s a gift… and the only appropriate response is gratefulness.”

Ages 7+

[Link href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g2WE1qXiKM" text="Science Is For Everyone, Kids Included]

If your child has ever said that science is boring, they need to see this video. Neuroscientist Beau Lotto and a 12-year old student called Amy, make a fantastic case that incredible science is not limited to old guys in white coats. Beau and Amy talk through an experiment they did together to prove that bees are far more clever than we think. This talk is the number one advocate for getting kids involved with education.

Key quote: “Anyone (can have) the potential to discover something new and a small question can lead to a big discovery.”

Ages: 7+

[Link href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-bjOJzB7LY" text="Adora Svitak: What Adults Can Learn From Kids]

The insight of this child is absolutely astonishing; her energy and tenacity, incredibly endearing. Andora Svitak begins by challenging the idea of ‘childish’ behaviour and once she’s done demolishing it, goes on to prove that there is plenty of things that adults can learn from kids. This a great video for nurturing the idea in your child that they are capable of great things from an early age.

Key quote: “Kids don’t think about limitations… they just think about good ideas.”

Ages 10+

Most kids love YouTube and there’s no better way to make good use of this modern obsession than to get them into TED Talks. The internet is a fantastic tool to open your child’s mind to the wonders of the world.