emselves as they go into Reception. Sometimes, the teacher wears a special hat or cloak to signal spells of "talking time". Shortage of adults means that the parent sessions are hard to maintain but some parents have become regularly involved.
On a visit a year later to St John Vianney Nursery, I found the "Talking Table" drawings in the foyer. The "Talking Table" practice continues with letters home suggesting bringing more specific items such as something from the baker's shop or a leaf from the park. This has led to parents and children going on outings and talking about their finds and choices. The Reception teacher believes that a strong oral foundation - and she will give the time to build it - serves the interests of the literacy hour, which can comfortably wait.