This e-bulletin focuses on some learning experiences and activities which may be used to bring Oral Language Learning Outcome 7 - Requests, Questions and Interactions / Teanga ó Bhéal Toradh Foghlama 7 - Iarratais, Ceisteanna agus Idirghníomhuithe to life in the classroom or in an online space.
This outcome encourages pupils to express their needs, opinions and preferences with confidence from Stage 1 right through to Stage 4. Enabling the pupil to ask divergent questions, to justify their responses, to express their opinions respectfully and eloquently, is a life-long skill.
Tá coincheap an spraoi lárnach san e-bulletin seo. Féadfadh suíomhanna laethúla agus cluichí a bheith mar eispéireas foghlama luachmhar don pháiste. Central to this e-bulletin is the concept of play. Using everyday situations and games can be a valuable learning experience for the pupil.
The activities and resources that are presented on the task cards can be used or adapted when addressing other learning outcomes.
Is féidir na gníomhaíochtaí san e-bulletin seo a úsáid go héasca agus scaradh sóisialta á chleachtadh sa seomra ranga. The activities in this e- bulletin can be used to facilitate social distancing in the classroom.
Oral Language
Learning Outcome 7 - Requests, Questions and Interactions
Teanga ó Bhéal
Toradh Foghlama 7 - Iarratais, Ceisteanna agus Idirghníomhuithe.
Below are a series of task cards which contain suggestions for learning experiences in Oral Language that relate to Learning Outcome 7 - Requests, Questions and Interactions / Teanga ó Bhéal, Toradh Foghlama 7 - Iarratais, Ceisteanna agus Idirghníomhuithe.
These cards can be downloaded and adapted to suit the needs of your class. Suggestions on how to use the task cards i nGaelscoileanna agus scoileanna Gaeltachta have been included. There are also suggestions on how to use these task cards in an EAL / SEN setting which will be of benefit to all.
Task Card 1: Asking Good Questions
Questioning encourages higher order thinking and forms the basis of inquiry. Good questioning enhances understanding, as it provides opportunities to explain, clarify, probe, make connections and identify problems and issues. Questioning encourages dialogue between pupils and teachers and influences pupil’s use of questioning to promote their own learning. Self-questioning enables pupils to reflect and assess their own results and efforts with a view to making them better (PDST, 2014, p. 19).
The following task cards highlight some simple oral language activities that will develop the skill of questioning in pupils in an enjoyable and differentiated manner.
Task Card 2: Using Barrier Games
Is gníomhaíochtaí teanga oiriúnacha iad na cluichí seo do pháistí le linn Covid-19, mar oibríonn na páistí go neamhspléach, gan aon fhearas á roinnt acu. Barrier games offer the ideal opportunity to engage with L.O.7 in a playful way, and maintain safe, social distance. The use of a barrier for 'game' purposes may help them to be associated with fun, and enjoyment whilst learning.
Barrier games are great for developing questioning skills and requests for more information or clarity through playful interactions. They have been in existence for many years, and include games which require players to give and receive directions while being separated by some kind of barrier. Barrier games are a flexible teaching tool which can easily be differentiated to cater for a wide range of ages and abilities.
Is féidir iad a úsáid i mBéarla nó i nGaeilge agus cabhraíonn siad chun forbairt a dhéanamh ar an dteanga.
Task Card 3: Interactions
Children learn language through interactions. Language is co-constructed between the adult and child through joint attention, mutual interest and enjoyment. Language learning occurs when child and adult, or child and child, have meaningful interactions and conversations. The role of the teacher is to support and develop children’s talk during processes of exploration, discovery, and problem-solving (NCCA, 2019, p.8).
The following task cards highlight some simple oral language activities, that will develop the conversation skills of children, in an enjoyable and differentiated manner. Video footage of children engaging in conversations in Irish classrooms are also available to view.
Task Card 5: Podcasts
Podcasts are a wonderful way for pupils to communicate with the wider community and are an exciting learning experience when considering Oral Language L.O. 7 - Requests, Questions and Interactions.
Podcasts can be recorded by an individual or within class pods. The only limit is your imagination!
They can also be used to develop fluency in reading, as was referred to in e-bulletin 5.
Credits:
Created with an image by Claus Grünstäudl - "Elegant steel microphone"