The View

From the Director of Primary

“Speaking and Listening is central to the lives of all people.  It is the means through which we communicate feelings, thoughts and experiences.  It is also an integral part of think and learning” (First Steps).

This afternoon, Mount Carmel College is hosting the next round of the debating roster involving Year 5 and 6 students from a number of schools and colleges.  The topic for the debate is, “That insects as a sustainable food source should completely replace beef in the western diet.”

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Sharon Himson for co-ordinating the debating teams and the Class Teachers who support the students in preparation for each debate.  The ability to stand up and confidently argue a case is highly commendable, often in front of a room full of people.  Not only does it require courage to do so but teamwork, collaboration and co-operation as debating is a team event. 

Last week the Year 3 and 4 students presented an array of wonderful learning opportunities at the Primary assembly.  Every week students participate in Speaking and Listening rosters across the Primary School and at present, students across Years 4, 5 and 6 are preparing oral presentations on a range of topics. 

Teaching students to become effective speakers is of paramount importance and it is wonderful to note the meaningful opportunities for students to talk for a range of purposes.  This includes the concept of talk as a process where students, for example, may be engaged in collaborative problem solving, joint text constructions, class discussions, individual writing conferences, brainstorming and listing, giving directions and instructions.  Talk as a performance refers to more formal activities like presenting the morning news, debating, dramatic presentations and oral presentations.

Nine important reasons why a closer look at classroom talk is so important are:

  1. Talk can reveal understanding and misunderstandings.
  2. Talk that pushes students to put thoughts into words assists them to clarify thinking
  3. Talk can build confidence
  4. Talk engaging students in more substantive classroom discussions lifts intellectual dialogue
  5. Talk supports robust learning by boosting memory.
  6. Talk promotes deeper reasoning and critical literacies.
  7. Talk scaffolds language development
  8. Talk nourishes the development of social skills
  9. Talk is the moment where the curriculum meets the students.

Furthermore, one should not underestimate the importance of listening.  In fact, it is estimated that adults spend almost half their communication time listening and students may receive as much as 90% of their in-school information through listening to instructors or to one another.  Not unsurprisingly, the listening process is a complex one involving the processing of messages not to mention consideration of vocabulary choices, structure and rate of delivery.  

 

What does this mean for us as teachers and parents? 

 

It is essential that we help students become effective listeners by modelling listening strategies and providing listening practice in authentic situations.  Students need to be aware of the different kinds of listening, the different purpose of listening, the qualities of good listeners and the stages of the listening process.

 

Given the major role that speaking and listening plays inside and outside of the school, oral language cannot be left to chance.  It must be carefully planned for and explicitly taught.

Kiss and Drop

The Kiss and Drop zone in Quorn Street is used by a number of families across the College.  It allows parents and carers to drop off or pick up students safely and efficiently. 

We ask that when stopping to drop off or pick up children, you do so for a maximum of 2 minutes.  You are required to remain in your vehicle which must stay on the designated driveway at all times.

The Kiss and Drop zone is supervised daily by staff from 8:20am to 8:40am and 3:05pm to 3:30pm.  Staff are present to assist in the management and safety of the students.  If your child has not been collected by 3:30pm they will be required to wait at the College Office.

 

 

Caroline Wilson-Haffenden

Director of Primary