Listening and Talking forms an integral part of all curricular areas. We endeavour to provide opportunities for children to build confidence in talking and promote active listening as they progress through the Junior School.

In Primary 1 the children will listen to stories every day and will be encouraged to share their news with their class. After the class mascot has visited their home, your child will have the opportunity to share its adventures with the rest of the class. Through Circle Time activities and Learning for Life lessons, the children will have opportunities to explore, share and listen to each other’s thoughts and feelings.

There are a number of specific listening exercises completed during the year where the children have to follow a series of instructions. This helps to sharpen their memory as well as their focus and concentration. During Assembly the focus is on listening. Music Presentations and the introduction to Drama in Term 4 all provide excellent vehicles for the children’s continuing development of confidence in Listening and Talking.

By the end of Primary 1 we would expect the children to be able to follow a series of instructions in class and you can help them to do this at home too. We might ask the children to repeat the instructions back to us in order to show their understanding. It is important that they learn to be able to complete small steps without the need for reminders.