The Oracy Exchange for EYFS - KS2 (4–11 years)
The Oracy Exchange
The Oracy Exchange delivers staff training and pupil
workshops led by a professional intergenerational teacher, bringing
together younger children and older adults through conversation, music and
storytelling.
It supports children who may be shy or have additional needs to build
confidence, communication and empathy, while older pupils take on
mentoring roles. Staff gain the skills and resources to embed oracy in the
classroom and lead their own intergenerational sessions.
We focus on developing skills around the four areas of need:
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Communication and Interaction.
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Cognition and Learning.
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Social, Emotional and Mental Health.
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Sensory and Physical needs
The work includes:
• Online training session for members of staff involved in the work
• Engaging, curriculum-aligned oracy workshop for all children involved in the work.
• Online materials and resources left in school to develop oracy skills for all children
in their classroom.
• Organisation of the groups of older people for the school. This might be from a care
home or local community.
• Leadership of an intergenerational session in the school setting.
• Staff then lead their own intergenerational oracy session based on the training and
resources given.
The Sessions
The sessions bring children and older adults together through structured conversation, musical games, storytelling, and shared experiences. The work typically focuses on 12-13 children.
Children who:
• are particularly shy
• have speech and language difficulties
• may be having a difficult time at home
• who have low self-esteem and levels of confidence
• EAL
• PP
• Have social and emotional difficulties
The workshops will also be supported by 2-3 selected children from Year 4 or 5 who would benefit from the experience. Their role will involve assisting with the organisation of sessions and supporting younger pupils. This, in turn, will contribute to the development of
their own confidence.
The Aims
For the children:
Sessions are designed to build confidence,communication skills, and empathy as the programme connects generations in
meaningful dialogue.
Children will gain valuable speaking and listening practice in a supportive environment that also gently stretches their comfort zones, helping them grow in
confidence.
For the staff:
Throughout the work, staff will be able to use the resources, games and techniques with children in the classroom to develop oracy skills.
Staff will be able to lead their own
intergenerational sessions.
Verbal development and focus
Jake is autistic and was non-verbal before starting music classes. His vocabulary is growing by 3 to 4 words every few weeks through his love of music. As well as attending Up Beats sessions, mum has also been involved in the program. At the beginning of classes, he was unable to focus and listen for even a few minutes, he now is captivated for the entire session.
“Amanda, don’t stop what you’re doing! Keep sharing it with as many children as you can! What you have given my boy is incredible.”
Jake's mum.
EAL learners
I have been privileged to work with groups of EAL children and the results have been fabulous to see.
Research has shown that music creates strong social bonds and positive thinking towards others. By integrating music and movement with visual information, interpersonal co-ordination is enhanced and bonds of friendship strengthened. (Source: Stupacher et al 2017).
When a group of people enjoy and make music together, it brings a sense of involvement and social engagement, which is what our EAL children need most when they are trying to navigate new surroundings, routines and language.