Speaking and listening are essential for learning and development. The ability to process language and to make sense of what people are saying is fundamental to our ability to understand our world and interact meaningfully.
Listening is not the same as hearing and does not occur incidentally. It is an active skill that needs to be taught, children need to understand what they hear.
Speaking is a process of understanding sounds using lips, mouth, teeth, tongue and larynx. Children need to learn a variety of speaking skills. To speak clearly, have a store of appropriate vocabulary and know which context to use it. To know how to put words together and respond appropriately in a turn taking manner.
At Richmond Hill school we appreciate the importance of teaching bespoke speaking and listening lessons to our children to support their communication. We will all teach at least one bespoke speaking and listening lesson a week.