Oracy
What is Oracy?
Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language. It can be described as a combination of learning to talk and learning through talk and is fundamental in learning. In school, oracy is a powerful tool for learning; by teaching children to become more effective speakers and listeners we empower them to better understand themselves, each other and the world around them. At Hempshill Hall, oracy plays a prominent role in teaching and learning in discrete oracy lessons and across our broad and balanced curriculum. There is a shared understanding of how talk supports learning and children’s social development. We believe that developing oracy throughout primary education provides our students with vital life skills for the future.
What are the benefits of an Oracy education?
Oracy increases confidence, empowering children with the belief that their voice has value, developing the ability to articulate thoughts so others will listen. Research has shown that structured talk in class benefits children’s confidence and self-esteem.
Oracy improves academic outcomes, developing learners who can think critically, reason together and have the vocabulary to express their knowledge and understanding.
Oracy Fosters well-being, supporting children to build successful relationships, talk through issues, express feelings and resolve conflicts. The fact that well-being is supported by talk, whether that’s talking through a problem with a friend, or using talk to build strong relationships in the first place, is well supported by the research literature.
Oracy equips students to thrive in life beyond school helping them to progress, access employment and engage in civic life. Discussion and debate are central to democratic life - the oracy skills needed to discuss complex or emotive issues with honesty and compassion are crucial. Oracy is also important for children to thrive in employment, with businesses frequently emphasising the value of teamwork and communication skills.
We aim to encourage fluent speakers, who are confident to communicate, debate and present in a wide range of situations. They will be able to explain their ideas and discuss points of view. Lessons are talk-rich, and questions are carefully planned to ensure all children can fully participate.
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 children to start a video diary, either to chart their everyday life or to record special occasions like birthdays and holidays. For safety’s sake, keep these within the family rather than broadcasting 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, while older kids are often more chatty 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 speaking skills by making an actual phone call. ‘Encouraging them to speak to different family members on the phone or on a video call will build confidence,’ says Billie.
6. Talking Points
Discuss the weekly Talking Point in Hardwick's weekly newsletter with you child.