Episode 1 - Finding Their Voice: Why Oracy Matters with Sarah Hunter

In this episode of Your Teacher Village and Friends, Vicki Yadav is joined by Sarah Hunter, founder of Oracy Playroom and one of Your Teacher Village's Oracy Experts.Sarah shares her journey into the world of oracy and explains why helping children to become confident communicators is one of the most powerful things we can do as educators. Together, Vicki and Sarah explore how vocabulary, conversation and meaningful interactions shape children's confidence, relationships and learning, and discuss practical ways to create language-rich environments where every child can thrive.They also delve into Sarah's highly acclaimed Talk Toolkit: Developing Oracy Across EYFS and KS1, the role of ambitious vocabulary, and how schools can support quieter children to find their voice. This episode is packed with practical ideas and encouragement for anyone wanting to place communication at the heart of their practice.Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Your Teacher Village and Friends Podcast05:23 The benefits of prioritising oracy in schools11:52 Empowering staff to use ambitious vocabulary19:09 Introducing and implementing the Talk Toolkit24:37 Using Makaton and visual supports27:16 Common misconceptions about oracy32:24 Advice for teachers and where to startAbout Sarah HunterSarah Hunter is the founder of Oracy Playroom and an Early Years educator with a passion for helping children become confident, capable communicators. Through her training, resources and consultancy work, she supports schools and practitioners to develop communication and language across EYFS and KS1. Sarah is also the creator of the highly acclaimed Talk Toolkit: Developing Oracy Across EYFS and KS1, which provides practical, realistic strategies to help children find their voice and flourish.Find VickiWebsite: www.yourteachervillage.co.ukInstagram: @yourteachervillageFacebook: @yourteachervillageTikTok: @yourteachervillageLinkedIn: Vicki YadavFind SarahWebsite: www.oracyplayroom.comInstagram: @oracyplayroomFacebook: Oracy PlayroomFeatured CourseTalk Toolkit: Developing Oracy Across EYFS and KS1Created by Sarah Hunter, this highly-rated course is packed with practical strategies to help practitioners develop confident communicators and create language-rich environments. Whether you're working in Nursery, Reception or Key Stage 1, Talk Toolkit provides realistic ideas that can be implemented straight away.This episode is sponsored by Is it Time to Play?Website: www.isittimetoplay.co.ukInstagram: @isittimetoplayFacebook: @isittimetoplay