How do we help children speak confidently about artificial intelligence in the primary classroom?
That’s the question behind our latest Five-Minute CPD Drop, created in collaboration with the Good Future Foundation. In this video, Alex explores how oracy – structured speaking and listening – can become a powerful tool for developing AI literacy in schools.
Why oracy matters
Voice 21, a leading UK oracy charity, describes it as empowering students to become better speakers and listeners so they can understand themselves, each other, and the world around them.
Today, that world includes algorithms shaping children’s YouTube feeds, adaptive learning platforms, and AI-driven tools. As Priya Lakhani and Darren Coxon highlighted in a recent AI Sprints session, building an AI vocabulary is now essential – and the earlier we start, the better.
Oracy, alongside literacy, gives children the tools to question, critique, and discuss these technologies meaningfully.
Insights from the focus group
Primary teachers who joined our focus group raised several challenges and opportunities around embedding AI in the classroom:
- Privacy is real, but abstract
Young learners often struggle to grasp what “personal data” means. Teachers suggested making it concrete – Who sees the photos you post? What do apps know about your likes? How does a chatbot know your name?
- Safeguarding concerns
Educators are aware of the risks around data security and online safety, but many feel underprepared. They highlighted the need for more training, support, and age-appropriate frameworks.
- Lack of confidence
Many teachers worry about not knowing enough terminology or “saying the wrong thing.” The focus group agreed: you don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be curious, and to model inquiry alongside your students.
Practical classroom strategies
Oracy can be woven into everyday lessons – as a starter, a “do now” activity, or a topical discussion. Try asking:
- What do you think AI knows about you?
- Can AI make mistakes?
- Should AI be allowed to do everything humans can?
These open-ended questions normalise talking about AI, while also building critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and digital citizenship.
Beyond the classroom
The Good Future Foundation supports this work with a student council bringing youth voices into AI discussions, and through its AI Quality Mark – a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Progress award framework that schools can apply for free. This helps schools embed AI in ways that are safe, ethical, and future-focused.
Watch the video above to see Alex share more ideas and examples of how to bring oracy into your AI teaching.
Supporting resources, certification and evaluation
You can download the supporting activity for this session on this link:
https://community.stem.org.uk/viewdocument/responsible-ai-teaching-activity-3?CommunityKey=0f32484b-dc5a-4266-8526-01a09365a63a&tab=librarydocuments
What did you think of this session? How will it impact your classroom practice? Let us know after each session and receive your digital badge and certificate of completion: https://forms.office.com/e/YZEK0zuYrq