Described as 'the missing link', Targeting Talk is an online resource that has been developed by I CAN and children's services provider Serco. It was prompted by ICAN's finding that 60 per cent of primary teachers do not feel confident in assessing and setting strategies for pupils' speaking and listening development.
Targeting Talk offers assessment, teaching and learning ideas for key strands such as speaking and listening, listening and responding, and group discussions and interaction.
Users will receive initial training and then have access to a virtual learning platform providing assessment materials and strategy updates.
The resource is available through licensing agreement to local authorities, children's services and primary school networks.
ICANsaid Targeting Talk was also developed in response to Jim Rose's review into the way children are taught to read.
Giving a keynote address to the conference, Mr Rose recapped on the main points of his review and pointed to an 18th century view of phonics, when, he said, according to German clergyman Samuel Heinicke, phonics were 'mere fiddlesticks, child torture and a greater crime than the rack'.
But he defended his own position, saying, 'High-quality phonic work is the best means for securing word recognition and underpins comprehension - the ultimate goal.'
More details are available at www.targetingtalk.com.
