A simple and useful definition of ‘oracy’ is the ability to speak and listen. When we decide to prioritise oracy in school it sometimes feels as though learning to speak well is the priority – but learning to listen well is equally important. Don’t just expect it to happen!
Here are three steps to help your class develop their listening skills:
Decide to prioritise it and dedicate time – for example, schedule a short listening lesson every week for half a term. Use the scheduled time to discuss things like What makes a good listener? and play some listening games.
Include listening challenges throughout lessons – for example, play an audio clip and direct students to note key words. Give specific instructions: it’s more effective to say Listen to this clip and write down at least five key words about the digestive system than Listen to this clip and make some notes.
Don’t habitually repeat pupil responses – see previous post.
For more about this, there’s a whole section dedicated to Learning to listen in my book, 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Oracy.
