ABSTRACT
The programme of study for speaking and listening in the National Curriculum for English indicates the importance attached to children gaining an understanding of oracy. This chapter looks at how talk slowly gained in standing in the primary curriculum and asks what are the characteristics of an articulate classroom in a primary school. Although it may not be immediately apparent in documents such as the NLS Framework and National Curriculum, there is an implicit assumption that children will be using their imagination and engaging in creative tasks in all subjects. An articulate classroom is a community of learners and teachers who share an understanding about the roles of talk in their learning and the many social contexts they experience. Oracy will be part of every subject area and a subject in its own right. The languages heard in the room will reflect all the different tongues and dialects used by the children and every child's voice will carry equal value.
