Let's talk about it: 13 ways to team up with parents for better student oracy

As educators, we understand that strong speaking and listening skills are fundamental to our students' success, both in and beyond the classroom. However, when we consider oracy, particularly in secondary schools, we need to think carefully about how we can best support all of our students while working effectively with their families.

The key to successful oracy lies in recognising and celebrating the rich diversity of communication styles that already exist within our wider school communities. Every family has their own valuable traditions of sharing knowledge and expressing ideas.

Some students may come from homes where story-telling is a cherished tradition, while others might be more familiar with debates or collaborative problem-solving. These different approaches to communication are all valuable in strengthening life-skills.