why it is important to give all the children the opportunity to be heard and how you do this in a group?

Answer 1

You get them to sit in a circle and one by one stand in the centre and introduce themselves and say a little about their family.
It removes inhibitions right from the start and each child will know something about others in the group. It's a great way to build friendships and a snese of belonging.

Answer 2

It's very important that children are given the chance to be heard - how else will they learn to express their thoughts and ideas, and to feel like their opinions are valued?
In a group situation, it is also very important for the other children to listen and respond appropriately to the ideas of others, so you could go round the circle and let each child take their turn, and ask the child on the left of each speaker to report back about what their partner said.
In a larger group situation, for example a class of 30, we use a technique called a CofE, or Community of Enquiry. This is an amazingly effective technique - e-mail me if you would like more details on how to run a community of enquiry.
Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Children need to learn that their ideas and opinions are valid. The ability to speak well in front of an audience will serve them well throughout life. As an elementary teacher, I gave each child an opportunity to "show and tell" every few days. I encouraged them to "tell" as well as to show something to the class. I have had children show their new siblings and tell the class about them. (This was a BIG moment!) When a child came to school bubbling over with a bit of news, an impromptu sharing with the class was in order.
Verbal skills seem to take a back seat to instant messaging, e-mails, and text messaging in today's world and as a teacher, I place special emphasis on talking to the class, using proper grammar and developing body language skills as well: standing relaxed but erect, making eye contact, smiling, inviting listeners to respond.

Answer 4

so they learn social skills, and how to add to the conversation, or keep quiet.

mixing with adults teaches kids how to ask question, how to theorise and be objective. its removes the terror of the teachers... our kids see them as ¨other adults¨ and as such arent so intimidating.

the downside is, our kids have an argument for or against almost anything... and they debate their arguments well...

all we have to do is let them speak, and listen... everyone is entitled to an opinion. and if we dont let them voice it, how will they ever learn to ask questions, and draw the correct conclusions?

Answer 5

children need to know that their views are important. what may seem insignificant or silly to us adults are important to them.

to encourage them to have individual thoughts and opinions, we need to listen to their thoughts and opinions, however silly they seem to us