Oracy is a fundamental skill that encompasses speaking and listening — a crucial component of a child’s overall development and education. Developing these skills, especially from a young age, empowers children to express themselves confidently and understand others better. In this article, we will explore various activities and exercises that aid in oracy development, providing practical tips for both classroom and at-home environments.
Effective oracy skills involve more than just the ability to speak clearly; they encompass the utilisation of spoken language in a structured, coherent, and appropriate manner across different contexts. By engaging in speaking and listening activities, children learn to articulate their thoughts and understand the perspectives of others. This is vital not only for academic success but for personal growth and future workplace environments as well.
Classroom Activities
Group Discussions and Debates
One of the most dynamic methods to foster oracy in children is through group discussions and debates. These formats encourage students to articulate their views, back them up with reasoning, and listen to and evaluate the arguments of others. This can be practised by setting up a weekly debate topic related to the curriculum that invites everyone to contribute.
Storytelling and Presentations
Incorporating storytelling and presentation sessions in classroom settings can dramatically boost verbal expression and listening skills. This can range from simple picture story narrations to group projects that culminate in a presentation. Such activities encourage meticulous preparation and articulate expression, enhancing students’ confidence and oracy skills.
Role-Playing and Drama Activities
Role-playing and drama significantly contribute to a child’s oracy development by thrusting them into scenarios where they must verbally navigate and communicate emotions and actions. Classroom activities can include historical reenactments or literary dramatisations that make the learning process interactive and fun.
At-Home Exercises
Family Discussions and Dinner Conversations
Regular, structured family discussions during dinner can significantly enhance a child’s oracy skills. These discussions can be about daily events or important family matters. The key is to ensure that each family member, including the children, gets a turn to speak and listen.
Reading Aloud and Listening to Audiobooks
Reading aloud to children and encouraging them to read aloud offers dual benefits: it builds oracy and improves reading skills. Listening to audiobooks also introduces children to fluent, expressive language, increasing their listening skills and vocabulary.
Playing Language-Based Games
Engage in games that involve word uses, such as Scrabble, storytelling dice, or charades. These games not only build vocabulary but also enhance quick thinking and articulation.
The Importance of Regular Oracy Practice
Regular practice of oracy activities is essential in nurturing proficient speakers and active listeners. The long-term benefits include improved academic performance, better interpersonal skills, and greater self-expression. Teachers, parents, and all educational practitioners should integrate these exercises into their educational routines for maximum benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four strands of oracy?
The four strands of oracy are physical, linguistic, cognitive, and social and emotional strands. These encompass all functions and uses of spoken language in societal and educational contexts.
What is an oracy task?
An oracy task involves any activity that requires the use of oral skills for communication.
How to teach oracy in the classroom?
Teaching oracy can be supported through activities like debates, storytelling, and role-play among others.
What are the four key oracy skills?
The ESU looks at oracy skills through our four key skill sets: Reasoning and Evidence; Organisation and Prioritisation; Listening and Response; and Expression and Delivery. These four key verbal communication skill sets lie at the centre of our oracy provision and underpin the development and delivery of all of our programmes.
