CHILDREN identified as reluctant speakers are to benefit from a new programme that helps them build confidence.
EastSide Learning has partnered with an east Belfast teacher to develop Hearsay, which targets children in P2.
It is aimed at those who need more support to develop good listening skills.
Created by Caroline Lennox, literacy coordinator in Victoria Park PS, Hearsay uses stories and exercises to promote active listening and thoughtful talk.
It also helps practitioners create an environment where children feel valued and happy to communicate using puppets as prompts.
The use of puppets helps to provide a more relaxed atmosphere for positive communication during the sessions.
A pilot was supported in Victoria Park PS last year.
The 12-week intervention is targeted at children identified as reluctant speakers or needing additional support. They remain in school between 2pm and 3pm and the programme is delivered by the teacher within their normal working hours.
A total of eight primary schools are planning to implement Hearsay from this month.
Ms Lennox said there was an increasing number of children in foundation stage with poor listening and communication skills.
"It's important that we explore methods to help tackle this issue," she said.
"The Hearsay programme resources were developed with advice from RISE NI and using puppets, social stories and props as a tool to engage children in productive talk.
"With this research I developed two puppets - Champ the dog and Harland the cat - and created stories about them that the children could relate to. The stories have a local context which sets a more relaxed atmosphere for positive communication."
Ms Andrews said EastSide Learning was delighted to help develop Hearsay, which would contribute to improving outcomes for children who could otherwise be left behind.
"Teachers are always thinking of new ways to help children learn but often they have to rely on their own expertise as resources are often expensive or not locally relevant," she said.
"It is essential that we offer support to develop this teaching talent in our schools and we hope that the Hearsay programme is the start of doing just that."
Ann Burton, principal of Knocknagoney PS, praised the initiative.
"This work will have impact in all our schools and help to ensure that children get the help they need at the earliest possible stage using these great resources," she said.
"As it is delivered in the period between 2pm and 3pm within normal school hours it has minimum cost which is vitally important as there is very little financial support available to schools to develop new programmes."
