Recent findings from the Oracy Commission report have highlighted the transformative power of spoken language in education, making a compelling case for oracy to be elevated alongside literacy and numeracy. Our Head of Training, Louise Livingston explains why Montessori may have the answer.
In an increasingly interconnected world, communication is a crucial life skill. Yet, while education traditionally continues to focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic, the vital skill of oracy may have been largely overlooked. The ability to speak fluently, listen actively, and engage in meaningful dialogue should not be considered a supplementary skill, but as a vital foundation for success in all areas of life.
Montessori education, a pioneer of child-centred learning, already integrates oracy into its approach, making it a model for how schools can foster this essential skill in students from an early age. As we think about preparing young people for the future, prioritizing oracy in the curriculum is not just desirable—it is essential.
Oracy as a Life Skill
Oracy goes far beyond the ability to speak clearly. It encompasses a wide range of communication competencies, including active listening, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Whether in the boardroom, in social interactions, or in community participation, effective communication can shape opportunities and outcomes. In our digital age, where ideas must often be conveyed quickly and persuasively, strong oracy skills provide a significant advantage.
However, oracy’s impact is not confined to career success. It equips individuals to advocate for themselves and to contribute to community discussions. Oracy fosters confidence and empowers people to ask questions, voice their opinions, and engage in debate—skills essential to enabling engagement in community and life.
The Current Gap in Education
Despite its significance, oracy remains underemphasized in most educational systems. The focus on literacy and numeracy has created an incomplete picture of student success. Many students graduate with strong writing skills but struggle to articulate their thoughts clearly in conversation or in front of an audience. Often, oracy is relegated to extracurricular activities such as debating clubs, which only reach a subset of students.
The Oracy Commission’s findings emphasize that communication skills must be embedded in the curriculum, starting in early childhood and continuing through adolescence.
Oracy and Montessori: A Natural Fit
While mainstream education systems grapple with how to elevate oracy, Montessori schools have long placed communication at the core of their curriculum. The Montessori philosophy, with its holistic and child-centred approach, fosters oracy from the earliest years, allowing children to develop into confident, articulate individuals.
In Montessori classrooms, verbal interaction is not an add-on to learning but a central method through which students engage with the world. Whether through storytelling, discussions, or presentations, students are encouraged to express themselves, listen actively, and collaborate with their peers. These skills, nurtured from childhood, set a strong foundation for personal and academic growth.
Oracy in Practice: The Montessori Approach
At every stage of Montessori education, oracy plays a critical role in shaping how children learn and grow:
Children’s House (Ages 3-6): In the early years, communication is foundational. Through child-led small group activities, children learn to express themselves, articulate their needs, and listen to others. These activities foster not just vocabulary development, but also self-confidence and collaborative social interaction.
Elementary (Ages 6-12): As children enter the primary years, their capacity for deeper conversation and collaboration increases. Not only do they work out their own classroom rules through discussion and negotiation, but they are also exposed to Montessori’s “Great Lessons”, which are delivered as oral stories, igniting curiosity and encouraging rich discussion. The children also engage in group projects that require them to articulate their ideas, critically assess information, and work together.
Adolescence (Ages 12-18): During the teenage years, oracy becomes central to learning. Students participate in seminars, debates, and presentations, honing their ability to present ideas coherently, negotiate solutions, and argue constructively—skills critical to their personal and professional futures.
Oracy as a Pathway to Equity
One of the most compelling aspects of oracy is its potential to bridge the gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Children from disadvantaged environments often have fewer opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills, which can place them at a disadvantage in both school and life. By embedding oracy into the curriculum, schools can help level the playing field, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, develop these essential skills.
Why Oracy Must Be a Priority in Education
Here at the Maria Montessori Institute, we have long understood the value of spoken language and communication. By fostering oracy skills in a supportive, child-centred environment, we prepare our children for success, not just in the classroom but also beyond. Parents considering a Montessori education should know that their child’s voice will be nurtured, respected, and developed.
The need for oracy in modern education is clear. Now, it’s up to us—educators, parents, and policymakers—to ensure that every child is equipped with the ability to express themselves confidently and thoughtfully. Let’s give oracy the attention it deserves, for the sake of our children’s futures and the society they will help shape.