Teach-Primary-Issue-19.2

FEATURES ORACY 4 | GET VERBAL WITH VERSE Poetry, through its rhythm and structure, is a pleasure to read out loud, allowing the sounds and shape of each piece to come to life. The Lost Words is an illustrated book, using terminology no longer commonly known by children as starting points for poems. This hugely successful collection was then followed by The Lost Spells . As they all relate to nature, consider linking poems such as Bluebell or Catkin to the seasons. Worryingly, The National Literacy Trust this year reported that only 49 per cent of children are engaged with poetry. With many benefits beyond speech development, all children should be assessing this evocative art form. 5 | SHOW AND TELL Ask children to bring in something they would like to share with the group. Get them to explain what the item is, to talk thorough a demonstration, and explain why they want to share it with the class. Because they are focused on what they know and love, it offers them a natural talking point, which in turn will build confidence as they realise they have lots to say. 6 | GET THEM SIGNING Songs are a great way to get children talking; this is why we have so many nursery rhymes. What’s more, there's evidence to show that literacy outcomes improve if you sing while also looking at the words. So why not crack out the karaoke? Let pupils take turns selecting a song per day (vet them first, of course, for lyrics and suitability). Each half term you’ll have covered each pupil’s favourite track, while also consolidating vocabulary, practising pronunciation and generally mastering language. Tap into the endless creativity of words, and help pupils to express themselves with confidence 6 ways to improve speech and language HANNAH DAY is a teacher in the West Midlands with a specialism in art and design. www.teachwire.net | 11 1 | CRACK OPEN THE THESAURUS Get your class making connections while building their own thesaurus. Key words from that week’s teaching can be placed in the centre of a large sheet; two minutes, house points (or just bragging rights) at stake, and go! How many related words can each table come up with? Remember, your focus here is words and their meaning, not spelling. You want pupils to be confident in using new vocabulary and not worrying about the formalities. Another great resource is The Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth. Not a children’s book but full of word connections, which older learners should find fascinating. 2 | WRITE WITHOUT CORRECTION Research from The National Literacy Trust has found that only one in three children enjoys writing in their free time. This is a concern, as writing (alongside reading) is inextricably linked to speech. Free writing, where pupils can record whatever they want, however they want, is an effective way of creating a love of language through a love of writing. Let the children know that this work will not be marked or criticised, but rather, is to be shared and celebrated. Ten minutes regularly is all that is needed. The aim is for pupils to feel free to go where their thoughts take them, while not being encumbered by expectations of spelling, handwriting or punctuation. 3 | CONSIDER A LAMDA COURSE LAMDA leads speech and drama courses that can be offered at primary level with one of their qualified tutors. These classes offer nationally recognised qualifications, but usually come with a ‘club’ rather than ‘lesson’ feel. The classes teach children to deliver poetry and prose publicly. As well as engaging with texts that they select for themselves, children will develop important public speaking skills and confidence.