Life-Based Learning
Delivering subject content for pre-teenage children through 9 life themes
Communication: Links
This page provides links to an eclectic mix of thought-provoking and information-rich websites relevant to life-based learning.
Many of them are websites with teaching resources for immediate use. Others were particularly helpful when putting together this website.
All of them demonstrate an interest in children being involved in life-based learning.
Please note that a link here is not an endorsement of the concept of life-based learning or of MAC.
Practical material
Teaching tone of voice
An article from Oracy Cambridge about the effective use of paralanguage in teaching
Non-verbal communication exercises for the drama class
An article from the Theatrefolk website about teaching children body language
Speaking and listening: Communication skills
An excellent page from BBC Teach about teaching speaking and listening, with downloadable resources
The big list of class discussion strategies
Advice for teachers on speaking and listening from the Cult of Pedagogy website
I CAN, a children’s communication charity
Advice, information and resources for parents and professionals
The Communication Trust
Resources to support teachers in measuring progress in spoken language
The importance of writing for young children
Teacher guide to different types of writing
Guidance, support or background information
10 reasons why writing is important for kids
The Communication Trust
Information about the work of this coalition of over 50 not-for-profit organisations
Technology & how we communicate
Non-verbal communication and body language
An article about “how to read and use body language to build better relationships at home and work”
What is paralanguage?
Body language
Verbal communication skills
The ‘million-word gap’
An article about the importance of children being read to at home
Interpersonal skills
Another article from a site about developing key life skills
Why writing skills are more important than ever
The Kids’ Storytelling Club
A website packed with ideas to make all aspects of storytelling fun