Communication
2.1
Focus Tasks
Model Messages
Your pupils should be aware from their experiences in the Nursery that people send messages to each other using the internet. Now, in Reception, they should get involved in contributing to such messages.
Ideas:
- Finish every week by sending a short email to the Head from the class, telling her about all the interesting things you've done that week. Ask pupils to suggest sentences to include in the email. Then, on Monday, read a reply from the Head.
- Arrange a Skype/Facetime call with a citizen of Ancient Rome (or whatever topic you are covering in history). All you need is a teacher willing to dress up and be on the other end of the call in a different room. Encourage pupils to ask questions so that they take part in the discussion.
- Most schools these days have ways of sending information or photos directly to parents (via email or through some service such as Class Dojo or Schoop). Don't keep your pupils out of this. Show them that you're sending pictures of them to their parents and let them choose which picture(s) to send. They'll love it!
Remember
- There is no expectation at this point that pupils understand how to send an email or make a video call. All we want is for them to regularly see such communication happening. Begin to make suggestions themselves, contribute to whole class communications and understand that there are different ways of communicating online (email, video, text etc)
- Whilst some schools have difficulty making video calls due to Local Authority internet filters, you should be able to get them to allow access for a teacher's account.
- This is an excellent opportunity to bring in some 'Citizenship'. Discuss how we'd never communicate online with people we don't know.
Enhanced Provision
Role Play Communication
Role play is the obvious way to bring some digital communication to life for the young pupils. Have them conduct fake video calls by opening the Camera app and pointing it at their partner. Similarly, always have a keyboard and screen in your role play areas so they can pretend to write emails to each other.