Lesson Plan: Enhancing Descriptive Speaking Skills 

Subject: English

 

Key Stage: 2

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

 

Lesson Objective:

 

Students will develop their descriptive speaking skills by describing objects, places, and events in detail, using the OracyChampions.com platform to record and review their descriptions.

 

National Curriculum Links:

 

• Spoken Language: Pupils should be taught to:

• listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers.

• ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge.

• articulate and justify answers, arguments, and opinions.

• give well-structured descriptions, explanations, and narratives for different purposes.

• maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations.

• consider and evaluate different viewpoints, attending to and building on the contributions of others.

• speak audibly and fluently with an increasing command of Standard English.

• participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations, and debates.

• gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener(s).

 

Materials Needed:

 

• Computers/tablets with internet access

• OracyChampions.com platform access

• Microphones/headsets

• Picture cards or objects for description

• Worksheets for planning and reflection

 

Lesson Plan:

 

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of descriptive language in communication.

• Explain the objectives of the lesson.

• Introduce the OracyChampions.com platform and its features.

2. Activity 1: Warm-Up Exercise (10 minutes)

• Conduct a quick warm-up activity such as “Describe and Guess,” where students take turns describing an object or picture while their peers guess what it is.

• Encourage the use of vivid and detailed language.

3. Activity 2: Description Planning (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into pairs or small groups and provide each group with a picture card or object to describe (e.g., a scenic landscape, a busy market, a unique object).

• Have students brainstorm and outline their descriptions using a planning worksheet.

• Guide students on structuring their descriptions with a clear introduction, detailed body, and engaging conclusion.

4. Activity 3: Delivering and Recording Descriptions (20 minutes)

• Students individually deliver their descriptions, using the OracyChampions.com platform to record their performances.

• Emphasize the importance of using sensory details, vivid adjectives, and engaging language.

• Provide support as needed while students deliver and record their descriptions.

5. Activity 4: Playback and Peer Review (10 minutes)

• Students playback their recordings using the OracyChampions.com platform.

• Each student/group listens to their description and discusses what went well and areas for improvement.

• Encourage constructive peer feedback focusing on the use of descriptive language and overall delivery.

6. Plenary and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Bring the class together to share their reflections on the descriptive speaking activities.

• Discuss what they learned about using detailed language to create vivid images in the listeners’ minds.

• Ask students to write a brief reflection on their experience using the voice notes and delivering descriptions.

 

Assessment:

• Evaluate students’ participation in description delivery and their ability to use descriptive language effectively.

• Assess the quality of recordings and feedback provided.

• Review students’ reflections for insights into their learning process.

 

Extension Activity:

 

• Encourage students to choose an object or place from home and prepare a detailed description to be recorded and uploaded to the OracyChampions.com platform for peer review and feedback.

 

Additional Resources:

 

• National Curriculum for England - English Programmes of Study

This lesson plan aims to develop students’ descriptive speaking skills, leveraging technology to enhance their ability to create vivid and engaging descriptions.

 

Lesson Plan: Enhancing Listening Skills Through Interviews 

 

Subject: English

 

Key Stage: 2

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

 

Lesson Objective:

 

Students will improve their listening and questioning skills by conducting and recording interviews using the OracyChampions.com platform.

 

National Curriculum Links:

 

• Spoken Language: Pupils should be taught to:

• listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers.

• task relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge.

• articulate and justify answers, arguments, and opinions.

• give well-structured descriptions, explanations, and narratives for different purposes.

• maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations.

• consider and evaluate different viewpoints, attending to and building on the contributions of others.

• speak audibly and fluently with an increasing command of Standard English.

• participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations, and debates.

• gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener(s).

 

Materials Needed:

 

• Computers/tablets with internet access

• OracyChampions.com platform access

• Microphones/headsets

• Interview question prompts

• Worksheets for planning and reflection

•  

Lesson Plan:

 

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of listening and questioning skills.

• Explain the objectives of the lesson.

• Introduce the OracyChampions.com platform and its features.

2. Activity 1: Warm-Up Exercise (10 minutes)

• Conduct a quick warm-up activity such as “Pair and Share,” where students take turns asking each other simple questions.

• Emphasise the importance of active listening and asking follow-up questions.

3. Activity 2: Interview Preparation (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into pairs and assign each pair an interview topic (e.g., “A favorite hobby”, “A memorable trip”).

• Have students brainstorm and write down a list of interview questions using a planning worksheet.

• Guide students on how to ask open-ended questions and listen actively.

4. Activity 3: Conducting and Recording Interviews (20 minutes)

• Students conduct their interviews, using the OracyChampions.com platform to record their sessions.

• Encourage students to speak clearly, listen attentively, and ask follow-up questions.

• Provide support as needed while students conduct and record their interviews.

5. Activity 4: Playback and Feedback (10 minutes)

• Students playback their recordings using the OracyChampions.com platform.

• Each pair listens to their interview and discusses what went well and areas for improvement.

• Encourage constructive peer feedback focusing on listening skills and the quality of questions.

6. Plenary and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Bring the class together to share their reflections on the interviews.

• Discuss what they learned about effective listening and questioning.

• Ask students to write a brief reflection on their experience using the voice notes and conducting interviews.

 

Assessment:

 

• Evaluate students’ participation in interviews and their ability to ask thoughtful questions.

• Assess the quality of recordings and feedback provided.

• Review students’ reflections for insights into their learning process.

 

Extension Activity:

 

• Encourage students to conduct an interview with a family member or friend at home and upload the recording to the OracyChampions.com platform for teacher feedback.

 

Additional Resources:

 

• National Curriculum for England - English Programmes of Study

 

This lesson plan aims to develop students’ listening and questioning skills through structured interviews, leveraging technology to enhance their ability to engage in meaningful conversations.

 

Lesson Plan: Enhancing Debate Skills 

Subject: English

 

Key Stage: 2

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

 

Lesson Objective:

 

Students will develop their debating skills by engaging in structured debate activities, using the OracyChampions.com platform to record and review their arguments.

 

National Curriculum Links:

 

• Spoken Language: Pupils should be taught to:

• listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers.

• ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge.

• articulate and justify answers, arguments, and opinions.

• give well-structured descriptions, explanations, and narratives for different purposes.

• maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations.

• consider and evaluate different viewpoints, attending to and building on the contributions of others.

• speak audibly and fluently with an increasing command of Standard English.

• participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations, and debates.

• gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener(s).

 

Materials Needed:

 

• Computers/tablets with internet access

• OracyChampions.com platform access

• Microphones/headsets

• Debate topic cards

• Worksheets for planning and reflection

 

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of debating skills and how they contribute to effective communication.

• Explain the objectives of the lesson.

• Introduce the OracyChampions.com platform and its features.

2. Activity 1: Warm-Up Debate (10 minutes)

• Conduct a quick warm-up activity such as a “Mini-Debate” on a light topic (e.g., “Cats vs. Dogs”).

• Encourage students to practice articulating their points clearly and listening to opposing views.

3. Activity 2: Debate Preparation (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a debate topic (e.g., “Should school uniforms be mandatory?”, “Is homework necessary?”).

• Have students brainstorm and outline their arguments using a planning worksheet.

• Guide students on structuring their arguments with clear points and supporting evidence.

4. Activity 3: Debate and Recording (20 minutes)

• Students engage in their debates, using the OracyChampions.com platform to record their sessions.

• Emphasise the importance of clear articulation, logical reasoning, and respectful listening.

• Provide support as needed while students debate and record.

5. Activity 4: Playback and Feedback (10 minutes)

• Students playback their recordings using the OracyChampions.com platform.

• Each group listens to their debate and discusses what went well and areas for improvement.

• Encourage peer feedback focusing on clarity, persuasiveness, and engagement.

6. Plenary and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Bring the class together to share their reflections on the debates.

• Discuss what they learned about constructing and presenting arguments.

• Ask students to write a brief reflection on their experience using the voice notes and participating in the debates.

 

Assessment:

 

• Evaluate students’ participation in debates and their ability to construct and present clear arguments.

• Assess the quality of recordings and feedback provided.

• Review students’ reflections for insights into their learning process.

 

Extension Activity:

 

• Encourage students to research a new debate topic and prepare a short presentation to be recorded and uploaded to the OracyChampions.com platform for peer review.

 

Additional Resources:

 

• National Curriculum for England - English Programmes of Study

 

This lesson plan aims to develop students’ debating skills, leveraging technology to enhance their ability to construct and present arguments effectively.

 

Lesson Plan: Developing Oracy Through Storytelling 

Subject: English

 

Key Stage: 2

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

 

Lesson Objective:

Students will enhance their oracy skills by engaging in storytelling activities, using the OracyChampions.com platform to record and share their stories.

 

National Curriculum Links:

• Spoken Language: Pupils should be taught to:

• listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers.

• ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge.

• articulate and justify answers, arguments, and opinions.

• give well-structured descriptions, explanations, and narratives for different purposes.

• maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations.

• consider and evaluate different viewpoints, attending to and building on the contributions of others.

• speak audibly and fluently with an increasing command of Standard English.

• participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations, and debates.

• gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener(s).

 

Materials Needed:

 

• Computers/tablets with internet access

• OracyChampions.com platform access

• Microphones/headsets

• Story prompts or picture cards

• Worksheets for planning and reflection

 

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion on the art of storytelling and its importance in developing oracy skills.

• Explain the objectives of the lesson.

• Introduce the OracyChampions.com platform and its features.

2. Activity 1: Story Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Conduct a quick warm-up activity such as “Story Circle,” where each student adds a sentence to create a group story.

• Encourage creativity and clear articulation.

3. Activity 2: Story Planning (15 minutes)

• Provide students with story prompts or picture cards.

• Have students brainstorm and outline their stories using a planning worksheet.

• Guide students on structuring their stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

4. Activity 3: Storytelling and Recording (20 minutes)

• Students individually or in pairs use the OracyChampions.com platform to record their stories.

• Emphasise the importance of expressive storytelling, including voice modulation and pacing.

• Provide support as needed while students record.

5. Activity 4: Playback and Peer Review (10 minutes)

• Students playback their recordings using the OracyChampions.com platform.

• Each student/pair listens to their story and provides feedback on clarity, expression, and engagement.

• Encourage constructive peer feedback.

6. Plenary and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Bring the class together to share their storytelling experiences.

• Discuss what they learned about using their voice effectively.

• Ask students to write a brief reflection on their experience using the voice notes and what they enjoyed about storytelling.

 

Assessment:

• Evaluate students’ participation in storytelling and their ability to use expressive language.

• Assess the quality of recordings and feedback provided.

• Review students’ reflections for insights into their learning process.

 

Extension Activity:

 

• Encourage students to create a visual presentation to accompany their stories and present it to the class using the OracyChampions.com platform.

 

Additional Resources:

• National Curriculum for England - English Programmes of Study

This lesson plan aims to foster creativity and confidence in speaking through storytelling, while utilising technology to enhance students’ oracy skills and self-assessment capabilities.

 

Lesson Plan: Enhancing Oracy Skills 

Subject: English

 

Key Stage: 2

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

 

Lesson Objective:

 

Students will develop their oracy skills by engaging in structured speaking and listening activities, using the OracyChampions.com platform to record and review their voice notes.

National Curriculum Links:

 

• Spoken Language: Pupils should be taught to:

• listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers.

• ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge.

• articulate and justify answers, arguments, and opinions.

• give well-structured descriptions, explanations, and narratives for different purposes.

• maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations.

• consider and evaluate different viewpoints, attending to and building on the contributions of others.

• speak audibly and fluently with an increasing command of Standard English.

• participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations, and debates.

• gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener(s).

 

Materials Needed:

 

• Computers/tablets with internet access

• OracyChampions.com platform access

• Microphones/headsets

• Worksheets for planning and reflection

 

Lesson Plan:

 

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of oracy skills.

• Explain the objectives of the lesson.

• Introduce the OracyChampions.com platform and its features.

2. Activity 1: Warm-Up Exercise (10 minutes)

• Conduct a quick warm-up activity such as “Think-Pair-Share” on a simple topic (e.g., favorite hobbies).

• Encourage students to practice clear articulation and active listening.

3. Activity 2: Structured Speaking Task (20 minutes)

• Divide the class into small groups.

• Assign each group a topic to discuss (e.g., “The benefits of reading”, “How to stay healthy”).

• Have students use the OracyChampions.com platform to record their discussions.

• Guide students on how to use voice notes for recording.

4. Activity 3: Playback and Feedback (15 minutes)

• Students playback their recordings using the OracyChampions.com platform.

• Each group listens to their recording and discusses what went well and areas for improvement.

• Encourage peer feedback focusing on clarity, fluency, and engagement.

5. Plenary and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Bring the class together to share their reflections.

• Discuss what they learned about their speaking and listening skills.

• Ask students to write a brief reflection on their experience using the voice notes.

 

Assessment:

• Evaluate students’ participation in discussions and their ability to articulate thoughts clearly.

• Assess the quality of recordings and feedback provided.

• Review students’ reflections for insights into their learning process.

 

Extension Activity:

 

• Encourage students to practise further by recording a short speech or presentation on a chosen topic at home and uploading it to the OracyChampions.com platform for teacher feedback.

 

Additional Resources:

 

• National Curriculum for England - English Programmes of Study

This lesson plan aims to provide a structured approach to developing oracy skills, leveraging technology to enhance learning and self-assessment.

 

OracyChampions.com and the National Curriculum

 

The use of voice recordings and voice notes can help meet several national curricular objectives in primary school. Here are the relevant codes from the national curriculum, along with brief descriptions of how these technologies can support achieving these objectives:

 

English

1. Spoken Language (KS1 and KS2)

   - EN1/1a: Listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers.

   - EN1/1b: Ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge.

   - EN1/1c: Use relevant strategies to build their vocabulary.

   - EN1/1d: Articulate and justify answers, arguments, and opinions.

   - EN1/1e: Give well-structured descriptions, explanations, and narratives for different purposes.

   - EN1/1f: Maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations.

   - EN1/1g: Use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, imagining, and exploring ideas.

   - EN1/1h: Speak audibly and fluently with an increasing command of Standard English.

   - EN1/1i: Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play/improvisations, and debates.

   - EN1/1j: Gain, maintain, and monitor the interest of the listener(s).

   - EN1/1k: Consider and evaluate different viewpoints, attending to and building on the contributions of others.

   - EN1/1l: Select and use appropriate registers for effective communication.

 

Modern Foreign Languages (Key Stage 2)

2. MFL

   - MFL1/1.1: Listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding.

   - MFL1/1.2: Explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound, and meaning of words.

   - MFL1/1.3: Engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help.

   - MFL1/1.4: Develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases.

   - MFL1/1.5: Present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences.

 

Music

3. Music (KS1 and KS2)

   - Mu1/1.1: Use their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes.

   - Mu1/1.2: Listen with concentration and understanding to a range of high-quality live and recorded music.

   - Mu1/1.3: Experiment with, create, select, and combine sounds using the interrelated dimensions of music.

 

Science

4. Science (KS1 and KS2)

   - Sc1/1.1: Ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways.

   - Sc1/1.2: Observe closely, using simple equipment.

   - Sc1/1.3: Perform simple tests.

   - Sc1/1.4: Identify and classify.

   - Sc1/1.5: Use observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.

   - Sc1/1.6: Gather and record data to help in answering questions.

 

History

5. History (KS1 and KS2)

   - Hi1/1.1: Develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time.

   - Hi1/1.2: Understand some of the ways in which we find out about the past and identify different ways in which it is represented.

   - Hi1/1.3: Ask and answer questions, choosing and using parts of stories and other sources to show that they know and understand key features of events.

 

Geography

6. Geography (KS1 and KS2)

   - Ge1/1.1: Use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography of their school and its grounds.

   - Ge1/1.2: Use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features; devise a simple map; and use and construct basic symbols in a key.

 

By using voice notes and recordings, students can actively engage in these areas, enhancing their learning through improved articulation, listening skills, and collaborative communication.

 

Elevating Communication: Harnessing Oracy Champions for SEN

 

In the bustling environment of schools, amidst the hustle of learning and the constant drive for progress, there’s a quiet revolution happening. It’s not about the latest technology or the newest curriculum fad. It’s about something more fundamental, more transformative: voice.

 

For Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers, the challenge is not just about teaching; it’s about unlocking the potential within each student, finding the key to their unique way of learning and communicating. And this is where the Oracy Champions platform steps in, not as a tool, but as a bridge to understanding.

 

Voice recording on the Oracy Champions platform offers SEN teachers a nuanced method to support communication development and assess verbal skills. Imagine a student who struggles to express themselves in the traditional classroom setting. The pressure of a live audience, the anxiety of immediate response—these can be barriers. But with voice recording, that pressure is alleviated. Students can take their time, find their words, and express themselves in a way that is comfortable and authentic to them.

 

For Speech and Language Therapists working within schools, integrating voice recording into their practice is akin to adding a new string to their bow. It allows for a detailed, objective record of a student’s progress. Each recording is a snapshot, capturing the nuances of speech, the development of language skills, the incremental victories in articulation and fluency. It’s not just about data; it’s about stories—stories of growth, of resilience, of breakthroughs.

 

The beauty of Oracy Champions lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t demand a steep learning curve or a radical overhaul of existing practices. Instead, it integrates seamlessly into the daily rhythm of teaching and therapy. A student records their speech, a teacher listens and responds, a therapist tracks progress. It’s a cycle of continuous feedback and improvement, tailored to each student’s pace and needs.

 

Moreover, the platform fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among students. They can hear their own progress, understand their own challenges, and celebrate their own achievements. This self-awareness is critical, particularly for SEN students, who often face hurdles in traditional educational metrics.

 

The implications of using voice recording are profound. It opens up new pathways for inclusive education, ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and valued. It transforms the way we understand communication, not as a one-size-fits-all model, but as a spectrum of diverse expressions and abilities.

 

In the end, it’s not just about the technology; it’s about the philosophy behind it. It’s about recognising that every student has a voice worth hearing, and every progress, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating. The Oracy Champions platform is not just a tool for education; it’s a catalyst for change, fostering an environment where every voice can shine.

About the Author

Claire Morritt Founder - OracyChampions.com

 

As the Education Director at Webanywhere, Claire Morritt leads the School Jotter Education Business with expertise and innovation. A University of Leeds alumna, Claire brings valuable insights from her education to her role. Before joining Webanywhere, she developed her educational leadership skills at Hays and Badenock and Clarke. Claire’s focus on integrating technology in education has been pivotal in advancing School Jotter as a key educational technology tool.