Speaking and Listening

At Fairfield Park we believe in giving children a real reason for purposeful talk in a safe and encouraging environment and children will want to talk, discuss, explore, predict, explain and come to their own conclusions. We teach children, through the art of Speaking and Listening, that their views are appreciated and valued by all their peers and adults. Across the curriculum, adults model enriched vocabulary in the classroom which enables children to practise these skills with others.

Speaking and Listening Progression of Knowledge and Skills Yr Rec - Yr 4

 

Speaking and Listening

Intent

At Fairfield Park it is our intent that our pupils:

• 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 (for example when performing in school plays and assemblies).

 

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.

Guided 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 leads a class assembly once a year for parents. 

Children in Reception perform a nativity play each Christmas; Years 1 and 2 also perform a Christmas production; Years 3 and 4 rehearse and perform a carol concert; Year 4 perform in an end of Year Leavers concert in the Summer.

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 can be addressed and relationships enhanced.

 

Life At Fairfield Park Lower School