1st Edition
Listen: How Child and Student Voice Can Change the World
Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989) articulates every child’s right to have their voice heard in matters that affect them. Yet acceptance of this right is sometimes slow and there are barriers to effective implementation.
This vitally important book aims to accelerate acceptance of this right by bridging the gap between theory and practice, empowering adults to act as advocates and facilitators of children using their voices within our homes, schools, and wider communities.
Divided into thirteen chapters, Listen invites readers to connect the concept of ‘child and student voice’ meaningfully with the development of all children’s physical voices and modes of communication. Topics explored include, but are not limited to:
- Current research on student voice, including an examination of public speaking within primary schools
- Advocating for a school-wide focus on supporting student voice
- Best practice and pedagogical approaches to facilitating public speaking in the classroom
- The benefits and drawbacks of debate, including how to use it appropriately and assessing when to employ other techniques
- Creating a supportive learning environment where students may overcome their anxieties about public speaking.
An essential read for parents, teachers, teaching assistants and senior leaders, Listen proposes a pedagogical approach to supporting student voice that is backed by current research yet firmly rooted in practical application.
Chapter 1 The Right to be heard; Chapter 2 The Importance of Communication Skills, Oral Language, Oracy and Public Speaking; Chapter 3 Facilitating an increased focus on Child Voice and Student Voice; Chapter 4 Research on Public Speaking in Primary School; Chapter 5 Why Public Speaking in Primary School; Chapter 6 What Public Speaking in Primary School looks like; Chapter 7 Pedagogical approaches to Public Speaking training; Chapter 8 Debate is great but ‘WAIT’; Chapter 9 Fear of Public Speaking and Communication Apprehension; Chapter 10 Supporting ALL children to have their voice heard; Chapter 11 Examples of ‘Student Voice’ in Practice; Chapter 12 Welcome to the World of Child and Student Voice; Chapter 13 Concluding Chapter
Biography
Siobhán Keenan Fitzgerald is a school principal of a Dublin City University (DCU) ‘changemaker’ school and holds over thirty years teaching experience in Ireland and internationally. Siobhán is also a TEDx and award-winning speaker. She created the ‘LET’s Stand’ public speaking programme and podcast.
'This book is a really useful resource to all those working in the education system, but also to anyone who is engaging with children in other realms, such as sport, drama, youth work, music and arts because they too need to be able to hear the voices and opinions of the children they serve.'
- Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, Ireland
'Mindful of the challenges, practical in its recommendations, ‘Listen’ shows how it is possible to envisage homes, schools and communities that foster creative, thoughtful and articulate speakers and listeners who will be tomorrow’s informed, active and engaged citizens.'
- Alan Howe, Oracy Cambridge – the Hughes Hall Study Centre for Oracy, University of Cambridge
'Siobhan’s book is a treasure trove of practical insights, supported by innovative research, making it a must read for anyone seeking to not only understand but to actively engage with the realisation of children’s rights and voices.'
- Fiona Collins, Dublin City University (DCU) Changemaker Schools Network Co-ordinator
'I encourage all primary teachers to read this book highlighting and annotating key sections because you’ll want to revisit the book’s ideas and strategies again and again.'
- Séan Delaney, PhD, Author of Become the Primary Teacher Everyone Wants to Have, Presenter and producer of Inside Education podcast and Vice President (Academic Affairs), Marino Institute of Education, Dublin.
