TV children taught how to talk

Every primary school in England is to be sent the teaching materials for language

Children in English Primary Schools are to be taught how to speak up for themselves - and to pay attention when others are having their say.

The focus on communication skills is thought to be the first of its kind in the world and it'll start from the age of five.

Children will be given lessons in the art of talking and listening.

They'll be taught how it's possible to disagree politely.

They'll also have to give talks in class to learn how to get their points across.

The programme is the brainchild of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, and its Head of English, Sue Horner was on Breakfast. She said teaching children to negotiate is as important as other targets.

Our reporter Sarah Campbell was live at Hallfield Primary School in West London where some of these methods are already being put to use.

We also heard from a leading children's author Chris Powling.

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Supporting the "Speaking, Listening, Learning" initiative will be a pack of teaching materials, including a training video for teachers.

These materials, which show teachers how to encourage children to improve their speech, are being claimed as the "first of their kind to be developed anywhere in the world".

Poor communication skills

There have been concerns that children, who have spent too long watching television and too little time talking to their parents, have arrived at school with poor communication skills.

A report from school inspectors from Ofsted recently claimed that too many children beginning school lacked basic social skills and could not even dress themselves.

Head teachers had claimed that the behavioural and verbal skills of children starting school were at an all-time low, with some five-year-olds unable to speak properly.

This project, from the Primary National Strategy, has the aim of improving children's learning and social skills by helping them to talk to each other and in groups.

The literacy strategy in primary schools has been claimed as one of the more successful of recent educational reforms in England.

"Language is an integral part of most learning and oral language in particular has a key role in classroom teaching and learning. Children's creativity, understanding and imagination can be engaged and fostered by discussion and interaction," says the QCA.

"In their daily lives, children use speaking and listening to solve problems, speculate, share ideas, make decisions and reflect on what is important."