So far we have spent time becoming familiar with the ICPALER acronym and framework.

This project has also made us think about and identify what we felt the greatest needs were for our children. We really thought listening skills were an area of concern as well as the children’s oral language responses.

Oral language is now on the weekly staff meeting agenda. This ensures that it becomes a greater focus in our school. At these meetings some aspect of the Oral Language project is presented to whole staff.

To date we have talked about what the Oral Language project is about, introduced the ICPALER acronym, and we are now working on the different parts that make up the framework.

Prep – 2 teachers now have monthly PLT meetings, with Carole Livesy (CEO) attending when possible.

We have been reflective about our teaching practices by identifying and modifying language used.

We have been implementing some of the ideas from the Oral Language PD days into our classrooms. At our staff meetings the prep -2 teachers have been sharing / giving examples of how practices they are now using are working for them in their classrooms.

Video: Adriana Sykes, Grade P/1 teacher, and the Literacy Leader

Content covered

• Listening,
• questioning using the Blank model,
• reflection of classroom practices and
• how best to incorporate the ICPALER model

Strategies introduced, models trialled

• using 4 W and H questions
• higher level of questioning using Blank model
• Beginning to plan using ICPALER to make sure we cover all components
• listening- hearing and following instructions
• word knowledge – what does the word mean? what are other words we use (synonyms)
• saying words correctly and speaking in whole sentences
• Phonological skills such as chunking strings of words, identifying sounds, onset and rime, blend sounds, syllables,
• Engaging in role play where they take on the role of one of the characters and answer questions