How does talking benefit students in the classroom?
Talking in the classroom setting is one of the most basic means of communication. We all do it to express our thoughts and feelings. Children are no different. The only issue that may arise is that children can sometimes get out of hand with the timing, volume, and intensity of their talk. That's why it is important to encourage students to talk things through while following the rules regarding talking at school and in the classroom.
Talking is how students interact socially. They benefit from talking casually and academically throughout the school day. Talking may also enhance student learning. Some students may only need to hear directions or an explanation while others may need to talk their ideas out with peers. Talk also provides an avenue for gaining new ideas and information from friends, peers, and adults over a variety of subjects and topics.
Students also benefit from talking by using known vocabulary and language skills. These skills are enhanced and broadened in and out of the classroom setting. Students also learn how and why it's important to listen to others speak. Taking turns speaking is a very difficult but important skill for children to learn. Talking also allows students to hear and share their ideas about different topics in the school setting.
Finally, talking in the classroom can be geared towards working students up to public speaking. Students may participate in school plays or musicals so feeling comfortable with speaking in a public setting is a skill that may be enhanced by encouraging talk in the classroom. As a teacher many opportunities arise that can lead into public speaking, such as encouraging show & tell, assigning oral reports, having readers theatre, and making time for group and individual read alouds. Students freely talking in the classroom may seem chaotic to many people, but a good teacher will know that amongst the many conversations occurring in the classroom students are learning and growing by sharing and listening. Talk is a tremendous benefit for all students and so it should be encouraged in every class and grade level.
Great Post! You mentioned many benifits that are associated with conversing amoung students in the classroom. It seems that it would be hard for any teacher to find reasons that talking should not be allowed. The most important to me is that the student would feel that their opinion and knowledge on the subject is acknowledged and important.
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