How to Speak and Be Heard: A Kids' Toolkit for Oracy and Confident Speaking
Everyone talks differently. And everyone who does, wants to be understood. But in the loud chatter created by social media and strident news, it is easy to believe that it is only the person who shouts the loudest who stands a chance of being heard. What we know of course, is that in a room full of loud voices, nobody can be heard. Meaningful dialogue gets lost and feelings can get hurt.
In this clever little book about oracy, Hutchinson explains the many ways we communicate formally and informally, using both verbal language and body language, while demonstrating a range of styles from established debating techniques to learning how to ask questions and take your turn. It’s a telling state of affairs that children need to go back to the basics, but so do many of the adults they witness every day on their screens. This little book is easy, practical and fun with clear graphics, glossaries and even a quiz. The key to this book is to use the bite-sized definitions like prompt cards to initiate discussion and set up role plays. These would benefit from expansion in a group setting. The suggested activities can be easily adapted and there are even some reassuringly old-fashioned games for younger children.
bSmall have published a range of accessible ‘how to’ books designed to help children with everyday subjects from literacy to science to foreign languages. Making yourself understood is not a luxury – it’s an essential life skill.
