ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Most children arrive at school able to talk. Children are rarely taught how to use spoken language in the same way that they are taught literacy and numeracy. Because of this, they may never learn how to share and negotiate a range of points of view, how to listen attentively to others, how to evaluate what they hear and provide a considered response. Children who are not helped to understand these important skills get by in various ways. Some express themselves by shouting, sulking, asserting themselves or ignoring others. Some say very little when faced with alternatives, choices or problems. However, children need to know how to talk to one another, in order to learn effectively. An inability to communicate with others through talk is a true deprivation, and it is unnecessary, because, in classrooms, we can teach children how to engage one another in discussion. This is not just a social skill, but a crucial capacity, enabling access to educational opportunities. Effective talk – talk for learning – does not just happen, but is a product of planning, teaching and organisation. We need to make sure that every child learns ways to share their ideas through talk. A focus on talk for learning is essential if all are to benefit from classroom activities.
