Presenting a practical and balanced introduction to the teaching of speaking and listening, this best-selling text will help teachers keep up-to-date with recent government initiatives and how to put these changes into a classroom context through: A concise overview of the DfES/ QCA Speaking, Listening and Learning guidelines A focus on the importance of drama and role play A consideration of inclusion issues, differentiated teaching and working with EAL pupils Integrated coverage of planning for talk across the curriculum An emphasis on the significance of talk in the early years