Schools throughout the UK put down their pens for No Pens Day Wednesday

Schools throughout the UK put down their pens for No Pens Day Wednesday

On Wednesday 24th November 2021, pupils from across the country are putting down their pens and taking part in No Pens Day Wednesday; a national speaking and listening event organised by I CAN the children’s communication charity. Over 10,000 schools have signed up to take part since it began ten years ago.  

A recent report - Speaking Up for the Covid Generation- by I CAN found that an estimated 1.5 million children and young people could be left behind, if more action is not taken to support them with their speaking and understanding of language, after missing school due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Primary and secondary school teachers across England, Scotland, and Wales were asked about the impact Covid 19 has had on their pupils’ speaking and understanding. The findings indicated that teachers are worried about children being able to catch up.  

Carol Payne, I CAN’s interim Chief Executive said: 

“Speaking and understanding are fundamental for learning to read and write, managing emotions, developing friendships and being ready for employment. Following long periods away from classroom learning due to Covid-19, it's great that early years, primary, secondary schools and colleges throughout the UK are getting involved with No Pens Day Wednesday by putting down their pens in the classroom and speaking up for spoken language.” 

For more information, visit https://ican.org.uk/no-pens-day-wednesday/  

To follow the conversation online use the hashtag #NoPensDayWednesday