No Pens Day – Friday 22nd November 2024 - Primary
This Friday 22nd November 2024, the Primary Phase will be taking part in No Pens Day, an initiative by Speech and Language UK to highlight the importance of speech and language for young people.
Did you know that teachers estimate that 1.9 million children in the UK struggle with talking and understanding words? Without support, this can impact their learning, friendships, and mental health. By putting pens down for the day, our classes will explore creative ways to use language in their lessons, reflecting our commitment to oracy in the curriculum.
Here’s how you can support oracy at home:
- Read aloud together: reading is an important skill which children should do daily… but don’t forget the importance of them listening to a story too! Encourage your child to ask questions about what you are reading to them, and discuss the emotions explored in the story.
- Play word games: Games like 20 Questions, Guess Who? and I Spy are great for helping children use descriptive language and think critically about what they’re saying.
- Chat 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 or chatting in the car is a good
way to encourage conversation. - Go on a sensory walk: Talk about the 5 senses – what can you see / smell / hear / touch / taste (if appropriate!)? What do you like about being outside?
Together, let’s celebrate the power of words and conversation!