Empowering communication through speaking, reading and writing

Reynolds, Deborah; Smith, Sarah and Vallely, Kat (2021). Empowering communication through speaking, reading and writing. In: McDonald, Roger and Gibson, Poppy eds. Inspiring Primary leaners: Insights and Inspiration Across the Curriculum. Routledge, pp. 5–23.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429024597-3

Abstract

This chapter explores the areas of talk, reading, and writing to show how schools can develop inspiring learning opportunities based on principled pedagogy which permeate across the school to create meaningful learning experiences for the children. Once the audience, purpose, and context of the writing activity have been established it is very important to support children through the actual process of writing. The subject of English in the primary school has been the focus of great debate for educationalists, politicians, and the general public. The news agenda is focused each year on the percentage of pupils in Year 6 who leave school ‘being able’ to read or write. The development of talk and the centrality of it in the Early Years and Key Stage 1 is crucial. The passion of individual teachers supported and exemplified by the senior leaders in a school is paramount to ensuring genuine conversations take place.