At Birkdale Primary we recognise that the teaching of oracy is essential in the development and achievement of our children across the curriculum. By teaching, modelling and promoting oracy, we aim to develop confident, well-spoken citizens who realise their full potential academically and emotionally.  There is considerable research suggesting that the benefits of oracy skills promote academic achievements and employability as well as enhancing social, emotional and interpersonal skills; including self-confidence, self-awareness, resilience and empathy.  We base our Oracy teaching on the National Curriculum.

Oracy and vocabulary are taught across the curriculum. Teachers set high expectations and model the correct use of oracy for our children. Children are encouraged to speak with confidence, fluency and clarity while recognising the importance of listening by collaborating with others. We all follow the Birkdale Primary School Rules for Oracy.

Discussions are embedded throughout every lesson, giving all children the confidence to express their ideas as well as reflecting and commenting upon other people’s opinions. Oracy activities are planned across the curriculum for example: drama activities, hot-seating, presentations, performing in class assemblies and debates.  In class, children have talk partners and present ideas collaboratively in groups, on a daily basis.  Technology is used to aid less confident children. 

The impact of teaching oracy to our children:

• Increases pupil confidence in all areas of the curriculum
• Improves academic outcomes
• Fosters wellbeing
• Gives the essential skills for children to thrive in life beyond school
• Promotes social equity

Oracy at home

Ways to promote oracy at home

Try these techniques to help your child become a more confident communicator, in school and at home.

1. Read aloud to your child:

Reading aloud to your child, well beyond the age they can read for themselves will really benefit your child as it will build vocabulary, teach them to express their thoughts and help them to understand the structure of language.

2. Record a video diary:

Encourage your child to start a video diary, either to chart their everyday life or to record special occasions; like birthdays and holidays. For safety purposes, keep these within the family rather than sharing them online.

3. Play word games:

Games like - 20 Questions, Yes or No, Guess Who? and I Spy are great for helping children use descriptive language and think critically about what they’re saying.

4. Talk about their day:

Ask your child, ‘What did you do today?’ and they’ll often claim they can’t remember, so find different ways to talk about what they’ve been up to. Eating your evening meal as a family is a good way to encourage conversation. Also, some children are often chattier in the car, where they feel less like they’re being interrogated.

5. Phone a friend (or relative):

Persuade your child to take a break from text and WhatsApp and develop their oracy skills by making a phone call. Encouraging them to speak to different family members on the phone or on a video call will build confidence.