Intent

“The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.” 

(Tony Robbins)

Our intention is for children to:

• Express their opinions, articulate feelings and listen to and respond appropriately in a range of situations;
• Participate with different groups of children to present ideas with confidence, valuing the views of others;
• Speak audibly and confidently before an audience or class group
• Join in class discussions to express ideas and validate opinions
• Give ideas about books and characters to deepen understanding in group and whole class reading activities
• Ask and answer questions about a book or topic studied
• Use appropriate technical language and vocabulary to show understanding

Implementation

Approaches to teaching and learning encourage pupils to voice their ideas in small group and class discussions, as we recognise that sharing and explaining concepts with peers enhances learning. Staff model the use of higher level vocabulary within their speech and expanding children’s vocabulary is a key focus from EYFS. Subject specific vocabulary is embedded across the curriculum, through teacher modelling, in context. Contextual learning helps children to understand new words and supports them in including them in their work.

Reading sessions encourage pupils to explore unfamiliar vocabulary and expand their knowledge of words. Staff model correct grammar in speech and encourage children to reflect this in their use of spoken and written language. Children are given the chance to orally rehearse ideas for writing regularly.

Drama is used across the curriculum to explore and engage children in their learning. This gives children the chance to embed vocabulary in shared activities. Each class is given a poetry book from which the class can read, share and learn poems to perform. These books are swapped with other classes through the year. Throughout the year pupils are given chances to share work with other year groups and to parents in class share times. School performances and productions encourage pupils to speak with clarity and expression for a larger audience.

Pupil voice afternoons allow children the chance to talk about their learning to a member of staff outside of their year group, this encourages clear explanations and use of topic vocabulary.

Impact

In a safe and encouraging environment, children develop into confident communicators who illuminate the goodness in each other by listening, speaking with kindness and empathy and explaining with clarity and confidence.  Children recognise that speaking and listening can lie at the heart of conveying character, and that through speaking and listening effectively, misunderstandings cab be addressed and relationships enhanced.

Children's progression is monitored and tracked using Target Tracker. This enables teachers to plan activities to stretch and develop skills.