ABSTRACT
Legislative changes over the last ten years have had a dramatic effect on the classroom. The introduction of changes such as the National Curriculum, league tables, OFSTED inspections and local management of schools have all tended to increase the pressure on classroom teachers as well as head teachers. For the most part the teaching profession has weathered the storm wrought by these changes. Teachers have shown resilience in their endeavours to maintain and develop their effectiveness in the classroom. This chapter seeks to celebrate the strength of the bond between teacher and learner and the challenge of listening to children so that they can become more effective learners. The intentions of this chapter are rooted in the life of the school: research findings will be discussed in that context and practical advice will be offered for listening to the child at school.
