New literacy standards are coming, but what about conversational literacy?

Improving the reading and writing skills of Aotearoa's school children is a massive focus of the government which is introducing a structured literacy approach for all state schools from 2025.

Some argue the focus on structured literacy and phonics testing is putting the cart before the horse, with many five-year-olds arriving at school without the skills needed to communicate.

Soon children aged three to six in the Nelson region will be given the chance to take part in a pilot programme which covers the skills involved in talking, using words and conversing with others.

To find out more Emile Donovan speaks to Oracy Aotearoa New Zealand spokesperson Mary Ellen O'Connor.