Focuses on the inter-relationship between reading, writing and speaking and listening. This work blends theory, research and practice to show how an integrated programme of work can be developed to ensure that literacy is taught in a vibrant and stimulating way. It also examines strategies for developing successful group work.

This book focuses on the inter-relationship between reading, writing and speaking and listening. Psychologists and educationalists, influenced by the work of Vygotsky, have emphasised the importance of social interaction in learning, and the National Writing, Oracy and LINC Projects highlighted the need for quality interactive pupil discourse and effective teacher-pupil interaction. However, although the DfEE claims that the successful teaching of literacy is characterised by good quality oral work, speaking and listening is not included in the National Literacy Strategy Framework and the Literacy Training Pack does not address the issue. Literacy and Learning through Talk blends theory, research and practice to show how an integrated programme of work can be developed to ensure that literacy is taught in a vibrant and stimulating way. Strategies for developing successful group work and whole class, interactive discourse are examined and effective teaching roles and questioning techniques are explored. Transcripts of group discussions and examples of children's work illustrate various points and work plans and practical classroom activities are described.

`This book is aimed at class teachers of Reception to Year 3 seeking ideas to develop their pupils′ speaking and listening skills. The author describes each activity in an easy-to-follow format with links to the relevant curriculum targets. The most valuable part of the book is the commentary from the author′s own teaching experience. This provides some useful insights, such as the fact that the flow of children′s ideas was improved while they had a discussion while engaged in drawing. The book is easy to read. It... provide[s] a practical guide to some tried and tested speaking and listening activities which may be useful for the beginning Foundation or Key Stage 1 teacher′ - Special! Do the children in your class need help with language and listening skills? Lots of ideas and suggestions for activities using and encouraging talk in the classroom make this book a lively, practical guide to encouraging young children to develop their verbal reasoning skills and to communicate more effectively. There is advice on how to tie in these activities with the various curriculum subjects and the following are covered: - setting up a talk corner - using story bags and story boxes - using Circle Time and playing games to encourage talk In each activity there are directions for helping children with Special Educational Needs, working with Teaching Assistants (TAs) and other adults in the classroom, planning and assessing work and finding suitable resources. A selection of photocopiable material is included and all the suggestions and ideas in the book have been tried and tested by the author in her own classroom. The focus of this book is on young children aged 5 to 8, but the activities can be adapted to suit those younger or older.

Committed to embracing the power of oral language, Literacy Out Loud recognizes the important role "talk" plays in developing the reading and writing abilities that students need in school and beyond. The book offers strategies where oral language takes centre stage and is fostered through engaging activities. Literacy activities and events focus on all aspects of listening and speaking, and emphasize enjoyable, purposeful, social learning. The book argues that listening and speaking, or "talk," is at the heart of a vibrant classroom. It shows teachers how to nurture dynamic classroom talk that is essential in its own right, and makes all learning possible.

“Reading and writing float on a sea of talk” declared James Britton – and yet in our current education system, where the pressure is on for students to pass written exams, it is all too easily left adrift. How then, as teachers and educators, can we turn the tide and harness the power of talk in our classrooms? This is not just an educational choice but rather, given students’ vastly different experiences of language, a moral imperative. Amy Gaunt and Alice Stott’s must-read book serves as a detailed and engaging guide to get talking in class. It blends the academic research and evidence, with first-hand classroom experiences and practical strategies to enable you to unlock the power of oracy in your classroom and equip your students with the speaking skills they need to thrive in the twenty first century. Transform Teaching and Learning Through Talk describes how to: Identify and teach good talk (and listening!) Build a classroom culture which values talk Create meaningful and authentic contexts for oracy Support your quietest students to speak up too! This book is a rich resource for teachers, drawing upon key academic research and outlining what this could look like in your classroom. Throughout, the authors share personal insights, engaging anecdotes and tried-and-tested approaches drawn from their experience teaching in primary and secondary classrooms. Whether you teach college-age students or those just starting their journey through school, this book will challenge you to think deeply about what you can do integrate oracy into your practice.

Describing effective, creative strategies for talking with students in ways that enhance literacy learning, this book offers a window into the classrooms of four exemplary teachers. Principles of productive classroom discussions are illustrated with detailed case examples. The book shows how—and explains why—"real talk" can enhance student engagement, foster critical thinking, promote mastery of literacy concepts, and instill a lasting love of reading. It offers ideas for selecting children's literature and fitting a range of interactive literacy activities into the school day. The authors draw on current knowledge about the connections between oral language and literacy development across the elementary grades.