KS1 & KS2 English curriculum

This first Year 1 speaking and listening unit builds on foundational communication skills developed through conversations, storytelling and role play in the EYFS. Focusing on clear speaking, active listening, and forming full sentences, the unit helps pupils develop essential skills for effective classroom interactions and presentations. It also fosters social and emotional intelligence by teaching pupils how to communicate effectively and respectfully. These skills lay the groundwork for the next unit, where pupils will speak and perform in front of an audience and share their opinions.

1. Asking and answering questions
2. Giving and following instructions
3. Retelling a story

• Listening attentively means responding to what is heard with relevant questions, comments, or actions.
• Making comments and asking questions helps to clarify understanding of what has been heard.
• Conversations involve taking turns and engaging in back-and-forth exchanges with teachers and peers.
• Participating in discussions includes sharing ideas and using recently introduced vocabulary.
• Offering explanations includes suggesting why things might happen, using language from stories, non-fiction, rhymes, or poems.
• Expressing ideas and feelings involves speaking in full sentences and using past, present, and future tenses with conjunctions when appropriate.