Communication and communication skills are the foundation of learning. Before children learn to read and write, they need strong speaking and listening skills. Oracy goes beyond just talking – it’s about understanding, expressing ideas, and building confidence in conversations.
But communication isn’t limited to spoken words; it naturally progresses into mark-making, drawing, and early writing. When children can articulate their thoughts through speech, they begin to represent them through drawings, symbols, and eventually written words.
By weaving oracy into everyday activities and connecting talk to writing, we nurture confident storytellers, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners.
1. Creating a language-rich environment
A setting filled with conversation, storytelling, and opportunities to share ideas helps build strong communication skills. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Model good talk – expand on what children say and introduce new words naturally
- Use open-ended questions – instead of: “Did you like that story?”, ask “What happened in the story? How do you think the character felt?”
- Encourage storytelling in everyday routines – describe what’s happening around you: “Look, you’re pouring the milk. What happens if we pour too much?”
- Create talk-and-write stations – areas where children can draw, mark-make, or attempt writing about things they’ve spoken about
Tip: Introduce a word of the day and challenge children to use it in play, drawings, or storytelling.
2. Learning through play and storytelling
Play is a powerful way to encourage language, creativity, and early writing skills.
- Role-play areas – shops, cafés, and post offices encourage purposeful talk and mark-making (writing orders, shopping lists, menus)
- Small-world play – use figures, animals, or vehicles to act out stories and encourage storytelling
- Storytelling with puppets and props – children can retell familiar stories or invent their own. Go from sensory props to representations in print.
