A statement from Oracy Aotearoa Founder, Karena Shannon
Oracy Aotearoa has been established to raise awareness of the importance of oracy. We want everyone - whānau, friends, educators, NGOs and government to understand that oracy is vital to the well-being of individuals and the wider community.
I’ve been working with low oracy children since the 1980's. Having worked in all levels of education over several decades, I've seen the long term impacts of low oracy and how it's become an intergenerational issue in Aotearoa.
Helping kids between the ages of 3 and 6 talk confidently about their lives and face fewer challenges when learning to read and write is one of my passions. I believe the current focus on falling literacy rates overlooks the connection between low oracy and low literacy.
Changing the country's understanding of oracy at the policy and funding level is important. That's what we are lobbying for through Oracy Aotearoa. But political change takes time. The kids you'll see in the videos on this website, and the many other bright and curious kids like them, need help right now.
That’s why we want to Spread the Word: to help ordinary people learn simple, informal, everyday ways to help kids improve their oracy. You'll find helpful resources and advice on this website, and we also offer support for these approaches in our community presentations.
If you are an educator, you'll be pleased to know that there are formal ways to help children develop oracy skills, at least one of which is a home-grown programme currently in use in some NZ schools, which is highly effective and inexpensive to deliver.
Please get in touch if you have a comment, ideas to share, want to help Spread the Word, or would just like more information
Aims of Oracy Aotearoa
To raise awareness of the importance of oracy particularly for young children.
To achieve equal emphasis and status as numeracy and literacy.
To ensure policy reflects the key role oracy has in promoting connection, participation and well-being.
To ensure low oracy children are identified early and receive timely and appropriate support.
To convey the "everyone everyday" nature of oracy promotion. You don't need to be an expert, have special equipment or extra time.
To help whānau understand the importance of oracy and simple ways to promote it.
To encourage and support educators of 3-6 year olds in oracy promotion strategies.
To provide resources to encourage oracy promotion e.g. community workshops, online demos, public presentations.
Importance of Oracy Aotearoa
Oracy is a social, educational and health issue.
Oracy promotes well-being, connection and participation.
Low oracy is an intergenerational issue in Aotearoa.
Strong oracy builds community and supports equity.
Oracy is the foundation for learning and the bridge to literacy.
Oracy + Literacy + Numeracy = successful learning pyramid.
Sharing our stories helps children tell their stories.
Talking with children is more helpful than talking at children.
Naming and explaining is more helpful than questions and commands.
Anyone can help develop oracy - you don't need to be an expert.