GROWING concern about young children’s speaking and listening skills has prompted a demand for training courses for teachers, according to literacy consultant Sue Palmer. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has commissioned research into ways of improving spoken English. A recent study found just one in 10 spoken contributions that children make during literacy hour is longer than three words. Ms Palmer has written about how to boost speaking and listening in the June edition of TES Primary magazine on sale at newsagents for pound;2.50.