Case study of a children's communication project in a local school

1. Childrens Communication Project
Case Study by Melanie Newdick
21/04/2014 copyright Melanie Newdick

2. What Was the Problem?
After listening to a documentary on Radio 4 and
hearing from some friends about
communication issues in younger children I
decided there was a problem with young people
not being able to get the skills and experience
they needed to help them communicate
effectively.
21/04/2014 copyright Melanie Newdick

3. What Did I Do?
I wrote to the headteacher of a local primary school
with the outline of a training programme for young
children. The content included how to debate, how
to ask questions, how to give and receive feedback
and how to assess other people speaking. It was a
small group project and I was given 10 primary
pupils to work with - some of whom talked too
much and some of whom talked too little. I worked
with them for 10 weeks for an hour each week.
21/04/2014 copyright Melanie Newdick

4. What Did I Achieve?
• All the teachers reported an improvement in
the children's attitude in class.
• Two of the children were allowed to speak
directly to the school inspectors when they
visited.
• A boy who had been very quiet throughout
announced at the end of the project he had
"found his voice".
21/04/2014 copyright Melanie Newdick

5. More Information
www.melanienewdick.com
LinkedIn Profile
21/04/2014 copyright Melanie Newdick