Childrens Communication Project

Case Study by Melanie Newdick

21/04/2014 copyright Melanie Newdick

What Was the Problem?

After listening to a documentary on Radio 4 and

hearing from some friends about

communication issues in younger children I

decided there was a problem with young people

not being able to get the skills and experience

they needed to help them communicate

effectively.

21/04/2014 copyright Melanie Newdick

What Did I Do?

I wrote to the headteacher of a local primary schoolwith the outline of a training programme for youngchildren. The content included how to debate, howto ask questions, how to give and receive feedbackand how to assess other people speaking. It was asmall group project and I was given 10 primarypupils to work with - some of whom talked toomuch and some of whom talked too little. I workedwith them for 10 weeks for an hour each week.

21/04/2014 copyright Melanie Newdick

What Did I Achieve?

• All the teachers reported an improvement in the children's attitude in class.

• Two of the children were allowed to speak directly to the school inspectors when they visited.

• A boy who had been very quiet throughout announced at the end of the project he had "found his voice".

21/04/2014 copyright Melanie Newdick

More Information

www.melanienewdick.com

LinkedIn Profile

21/04/2014 copyright Melanie Newdick