Episode 3 | Oracy and Wellbeing in Primary Schools with Mike Gardner artwork
TTS Talking Early Years

Episode 3 | Oracy and Wellbeing in Primary Schools with Mike Gardner

  • S8E3
  • 16:16
  • July 3rd 2025

In this episode, Dr. Shaddai Tembo and Mike Gardner discuss the role of oracy in building self-efficacy and supporting emotional regulation through talk. They touch on how educators can support children to build confidence in the classroom and communicate their thoughts and feelings. 

Mike and Shaddai talk about children’s identity and how this links to oracy, as well as how adults need to help foster positive relationships and allow children to feel they are a part of the environment they are in. 

Practitioners may be interested in the gender differences in oracy development as well as Mike’s real-life experiences, which includes the story of a young girl new to the UK and what strategies were used to make her feel confident. 

📌 To shop for resources relevant to this podcast conversation, click here.      

Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.  

(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

TTS Talking Early Years

Welcome to the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast. Each week, we’ll be joined by global experts, early years practitioners, and our in-house educational experts as we discuss everything Early Years!

SIGN-UP NOW and be the first to hear about our brand new podcast episodes. Plus, unlock access to exclusive content, personalised resource recommendations, and amazing offers.

We’ll be sharing practical guidance and inspiration for your settings, signposting you to relevant resources, and providing exclusive supporting content that will help you inspire the next generation of learners.

Our bite-size episodes are the perfect addition to your morning routine or evening downtime, so grab yourself a cup of tea and get comfortable as we unlock the potential for learning in the Early Years.

🛒 To shop for resources relevant to outdoor learning in the Early Years, visit the TTS website here.