Talking and listening

Instructions help us to get things done by taking small steps in the right order. In school, your teacher may give you instructions on how to play a game in PE.

When you read a book, it is good to talk about it. When you talk about what you have read, it shows others that you have understood the story.

Experiences are things that happen to us. Our experiences depend on where we live, what we see and what we do. Your experiences might be very different from your friends.

A conversation is when we take turns to talk. When we do this, everyone who wants to speak can do so. It’s a bit like a game of ping-pong or tennis.

Talking and writing are two types of communication. We talk and write to help people understand us better.

To help people understand a story, we need to retell it in the order in which it takes place. Do you enjoy retelling a story? When you do, it shows that you understand the story.

What are the basic skills of speaking? Find out more in this short Bitesize Primary English animation.

Find out what a conversation is and how to make sure it works two ways.

Find out what a debate is and how to present and evaluate facts and opinions when debating.

Find out how to break down words into sounds that are easier to recognise.

What makes a fact different from an opinion and how can you tell the difference?