Creating a Language Friendly Classroom in Key Stage 2

Linda Hobbs

Cathy Woolard

Wednesday 4th February 2009

Research

Effective oral language skills are the building blocks on which subsequent literacy and numeracy development is based. Without solid foundations in language and communication skills children run the risk of school failure, low self-esteem and poor social skills.

ICAN Cost to the Nation report.

Changes in Society

Meal times Care arrangements /

pushchairs Computers / toys Television / radio Noisy environments Central heating Texting Busy lifestyles Mortgages National Curriculum

Language difficulties/needs at KS2

In some parts of the country as many as 40–50% of children have problems with speech, language and communication that could be addressed through a universal offer and through language rich environments.

There is a separate group of children, around 5–7% of the total population, who have SLCN arising from having a specific language impairment. Other children will have SLCN arising from other impairments, e.g. children with autism, many with cerebral palsy and many with learning disabilities.

Pyramid of Language Development

Speech

Expressive Language

Verbal Comprehension

Eye Contact, Looking, Copying, Listening, Turn-taking

Activity 1

Get into groups of four You will be given a school

activity Using the sheet with the

key, discuss what language and communication demands would be made for the child during your activity.

Listen to the example of Register time.

Making things easier in the Classroom

Classroom environment – visual support systems

Classroom strategies

Furniture and displays

Classroom Strategies

Watch your language!

Classroom Strategies

Teach them to be independent and ask.

Make it explicit what you want them to do.

Use interventions in small groups

Look for opportunities to put children in small groups to talk and to listen with good adult modelling.

Case Study of Joanne age 8 years

Using your case study notes, discuss in your groups the barriers Joanne might face and what changes you could make to your classroom.