Spoken Language in the Spotlight
On 24th November 2021, pupils put down their pens to take part in No Pens Day Wednesday; a national speaking and listening event organised by I CAN.
All learning and assessment took place through speaking and listening, rather than writing and all lessons and activities focused on speaking and understanding skills rather than writing or using a computer keyboard.
Jenny McConnell, Principal said:
"We believe that speech, language, and communication skills underpin everything and directly affect our pupils’ life chances and for this reason we have been delighted to take part in No Pens Day Wednesday. This is something which we take part in each year. This fantastic event focuses on spoken language and listening activities and we have seen pupils, teachers and therapists taking part in debating, maths games, story-telling and outdoor movement activities.”
Carol Payne, I CAN interim Chief Executive, said:
"Huge thanks go to all the pupils, staff and parents at Dawn House School for taking part in No Pens Day Wednesday. Developing speaking and understanding skills are fundamental for learning to read and write, managing emotions, developing friendships and are vital when entering further education or employment. Following long periods away from classroom learning due to Covid-19, we are calling on early years, primary, secondary schools, colleges and families to get involved with their own No Pens Day Wednesday by putting down their pens, getting creative in the classroom and speaking up for spoken language!”
For more information, visit www.ican.org.uk/no-pens-day-wednesday
To listen to Jenny's interview on BBC Radio Nottingham visit the link below and fast forward to 23.20.
