Newlands Primary School

Each school year we have a whole school theme.  This year is Year of Oracy.

Throughout the year, we use the theme to set challenges for all the children at Monday Assmeblies and we celebrate the successes at Friday Celebration Assemblies.  We are giving opportunities and encouraging  children to "Find Your Voice" and use their words both as a group and individually.

What is Oracy?

Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language. By teaching students to become more effective speakers and listeners, we empower them to better understand themselves, each other and the world around them. Children are not only learning to talk but they are also learning through talk.

What are we doing at Newlands to develop Oracy school wide?

At Newlands, all children are expected to contribute within lessons and engage in quality conversations throughout the school day. All adults in school make the most of opportunities to model, initiate and encourage conversations with pupils in order to develop their Oracy skills. Adults find opportunities for talk in lessons, assemblies, break and lunchtimes and throughout daily routines. Children know that there is a ‘No opt out’ culture and that they are expected to participate in all lessons in a variety of ways. We recognise that for some children with additional needs that expressing themselves orally may not be possible and so these children are given other opportunities to engage and respond.

Areas of Oracy

• ·         Children are taught what Oracy means through the four areas of Oracy: Physical, Linguistic, Cognitive and Social & Emotional.
• ·         Teachers plan opportunities for children to learn about and practise the different areas so that they can develop the children’s understanding of what good speaking and listening looks like.

How can you help your child to develop their oracy skills at home?

Developing oracy skills at home can be both fun and educational for primary-aged children.

Here are ten activities that parents can do with their children to help develop these important skills:

1. Storytelling Time
   Encourage your child to narrate stories, either from a book or their imagination. This helps with sequencing and using descriptive language.

2. Role-Playing
   Engage in role-playing games where you and your child act out different scenarios. This can help with understanding perspectives and practicing dialogue.

3. Discussion Dinners
   Dedicate family meals to discuss a topic of interest or current events. Encourage your child to express their opinions and ask questions.

4. Reading Aloud
   Take turns reading books aloud. This can improve pronunciation and help with understanding rhythm and intonation in speech.

5. Debate Club
   Choose a simple topic and have a friendly debate. This teaches children to construct arguments and consider different viewpoints.

6. Descriptive Drawing
   Have your child describe a picture or object in detail while you draw it based on their description. This encourages precise and clear communication.

7. Show and Tell
   Regularly have a 'show and tell' session where your child can present something they are passionate about to the family.

8. Puppet Shows
   Create simple puppets and have your child put on a puppet show. This can be a fun way to practice storytelling and character voices.

9. Podcast Listening
   Listen to child-friendly podcasts together and discuss them afterward. This can enhance listening skills and critical thinking.

10. Vocabulary Jar
    Have a jar filled with words. Each day, pick a word, discuss its meaning, and use it in sentences. This builds vocabulary and confidence in using new words.

These activities are designed to be engaging and can fit into everyday routines, making oracy development a natural part of your child's day.