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Talk Homework

IT’S GOOD TO TALK!

As a school, we have been trialling new ways to introduce rich vocabulary into the children’s learning, whether it be subject specific, or more general, to improve their communication and writing skills. We are also working hard to develop oracy skills, through paired, group and whole class discussions in everything we teach.

We would love to involve parents, carers and wider family members in this process and have decided to introduce a monthly Talk Homework to get families discussing different topics together which will hopefully be both interesting and fun!  Sometimes the Talk Homework will be the same for the whole school community and at other times it may be linked to specific class topics or interests.

Why is Talk Homework useful?

  • Children who complete their Talk Homework regularly are likely to feel more confident in contributing ideas in lessons and when completing writing activities in school.
  • Talk Homework offers the opportunity for children to think through and discuss initial ideas in order to develop the thought process
  • Talk homework helps to improve children’s vocabulary which in turn improves their communication skills and develops their vocabulary.
  • Talk homework helps to develop respectful speaking and listening skills and children to value other people’s opinions as well as their own.

Helpful hints on conducting a successful Talk Homework session

  • This is not a piece of homework your children can do alone! It can involve different family members or friends in one big discussion or individual conversations during the week.
  • Encourage as many interactions as possible – for example asking grandparents to join in on a further discussion later in the week.
  • Find times which work for the family, eg at dinner times or during car journeys, or a walk somewhere.
  • Ask your child for their opinions and encourage them to expand on their ideas eg Why do you feel this way? Why is this important to you?
  • Explain your own opinion and how it is fine to have different views or opinions.
  • Develop your child’s vocabulary through the use of “ambitious” vocabulary when you talk. If you do this, however, always make sure your child has understood what you are saying, clarifying meaning where necessary.
  • Try and make it an enjoyable activity
  • Switch off the television to try to ensure that this is dedicated talking and listening time
  • Model thoughtful conversation... “I think that... because… which makes me feel… What is your opinion on this?
  • Try out the ABC approach – Do you ‘agree’? Can you ‘build’ upon what another person has said? Will you ‘challenge’ what has been said?

TALK HOMEWORK TOPICS

Reading 

What do you most enjoy reading and why? You might like to think about favourite authors or books from childhood or the different genres that you read whether it is stories, magazines, poems or recipes. Which books have you not been able to put down and why?

The role of the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee

What do you think makes a good King or Queen? Why? What do you think is most challenging about the job? Why?What do you think is most enjoyable? Why?

Class Specific Talk Homework

Reception: What did you enjoy about our wedding celebrations? Which were the
special roles that people had? Why do people sometimes choose to get married?
Year 1: What did you most enjoy about your trip to Arundel Castle? What do you
think it would be like to live in a castle?
Year 2: What did you most enjoy about your trip to the beach? What do you think it
would be like to be a sea creature living under the sea?
Year 3: Following the success of our Roman picnic – if you could plan your own
picnic, who would you invite and what would you eat?
Year 4: Thinking about our Tudor Banquet, if you were to throw your own party, what
would the theme be and who would you invite (from past or present) and why?
Year 5: Please discuss which school trips or events you have enjoyed this year and
why? (For example: Truleigh Hill, Applesham Farm, Community Games and other
sporting tournaments)
Year 6: Please discuss what your favourite memories from your time at school are
and why?

TALK HOMEWORK FEEDBACK

We would love to hear how the Talk Homework has been going and so each month return the slip with the Talk Homework letter, with any comments or discussion points, and sign to say that the homework has been completed. Children who take part will be rewarded with dojos (EY/KS1) and best points (KS2) and entered into the monthly prize draw.

 

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