Teresa Pearce MP is writing to local schools in Erith and Thamesmead to highlight Voice Box, an annual joke-telling competition designed by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) to build schoolchildren’s communication skills.
Over 10% of children start school with some form of language problem. If undetected speech, language and communication problems can lead to low levels of literacy, poor educational attainment, poorer mental health and wellbeing and, in turn, difficulties finding employment, and life chances.
Primary schools across the country are invited to bring laughter into their classrooms this autumn by taking part in the competition. Schools should hold their joke-telling contests between October and November with a chance to go through to a grand final in Westminster, in 2019.
The pupil with the ultimate winning joke will receive an iPad mini, while two runners-up will each receive national book tokens.
Teresa Pearce MP said:
“The aim of the Voice Box competition is to remind people that all children need support to build their communication skills and confidence. It’s a fun way to highlight a serious subject and laughter is good for us all”
For more information about the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and its Giving Voice campaign visit www.rcslt.org and www.givingvoiceuk.org
For more information about NAHT and NAHT Edge please visit https://www.naht.org.uk/ and https://www.naht.org.uk/naht-edge/
