TTS Talking Early Years

In this episode, Dr. Shaddai Tembo and Amy Gaunt discuss strategies and activities for in the classroom, such as debate, drama and storytelling.  Amy and Shaddai look at giving students the skills they need to develop their oracy skills, such as how to debate and creating spaces for expression. They also consider a child’s journey through school and the wide-ranging oracy rich curriculum.   Practitioners will think more about oracy being ‘always on’ and how to develop ‘oracy muscles’, as well as good practice for supporting transitions. They will learn more about extracurricular activities and how parents' evenings can develop oracy skills.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.      Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Join Amy Gaunt, Director of Learning at Voice21, as she dives into the world of oracy education. She explores how teachers can create high expectations for student voices and the significance of valuing diverse accents and dialects. The conversation highlights the importance of exploratory talk, the role of non-purposeful discussions, and the delicate balance of scaffolding versus independence in classroom dialogue. Amy's insights inspire educators to make every voice heard and the classroom a vibrant space for communication.

Amy Gaunt, the Director of Learning at Voice21, dives into the fascinating world of oracy—skills critical for effective communication. They discuss how an oracy-rich curriculum not only boosts academic success but also fosters healthy relationships. Amy explains the four strands of their oracy framework and emphasizes the need for human skills in a tech-dominated age. Discover the power of what’s unsaid and how developing these skills can profoundly impact children's futures, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.

Mike Gardner, founder of the Oracy Shift and teaching lead for the Maritime Academy Trust, dives into the importance of integrating oracy into school culture. He discusses leveraging everyday moments, like school drop-offs, to engage parents and foster social interactions. The conversation highlights informal settings, such as lunch and extracurricular activities, as vital for developing language skills. Gardner emphasizes building trust with parents for collaborative oracy education, ultimately enhancing children's communication and emotional well-being.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Gardner, Founder of the Oracy Shift and teaching lead at the Maritime Academy Trust, shares his insights on the power of language in education. He highlights how oracy enhances children's self-efficacy and emotional regulation, helping them articulate thoughts and feelings. The conversation delves into the importance of fostering positive relationships and inclusivity in classrooms. Gardner shares compelling stories, including strategies for supporting a young girl new to the UK, and discusses gender dynamics in language development.

Dr. Shaddai Tembo is joined again by Mike Gardner to discuss how teachers can use oracy in their assessment practices. They touch on how oracy helps to model new learning and shifting from teacher talk to learner talk.  Shaddai and Mike talk about the role of the whole school in supporting and enabling educators to roll out an oracy-rich curriculum, allowing practitioners to think whether their own school values and policies are setting the right standards.  Practitioners may be interested to learn more strategies for effective learner-centred talk, the influence teachers have on communication, and ways of managing dominant voices in the classroom.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Mike Gardner, founder of the Oracy Shift, champions the critical role of oracy in education and its impact on social mobility. He discusses how the Covid-19 pandemic has compounded language gaps in children, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation amidst increased screen time. Mike advocates for integrating oracy across all learning areas to foster emotional well-being. He also hints at his upcoming book, which explores social mobility through a child's language development journey, aiming to bridge these gaps.

Michael Surr, Head of Education at NASEN and experienced educator, joins to discuss the future of Special Educational Needs support. He highlights the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly the collaboration with TTS, to enhance resource accessibility. The conversation emphasizes the transformative role of technology in education, advocating for digital skills and policy changes to ensure inclusivity. Michael also argues that success in education goes beyond grades, focusing on building resilience and self-esteem among students.

Michael Surr, Head of Education at NASEN, shares insights from his extensive background in primary teaching. He discusses the essential planning role of Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) and stresses the importance of collaboration among educators in supporting all students. The conversation highlights the critical contributions of teaching assistants and their need for effective communication with teachers. Michael also addresses the challenges faced in deploying support staff and suggests strategies for enhancing their impact in the classroom.

Mark Loveday is joined again by Michael Surr to talk about SEN in Primary Settings. In this episode, the pair talk about understanding SEN support and funding challenges as well as provision management.  Mark and Michael talk about the importance of labels versus needs and teacher training, including support for new teachers.   Practitioners may be interested in learning how to balance SEN needs and resources, as well as the roles of ambassadors and champions within educational settings.  📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.     Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.   (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)   Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.