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What is No Pens Day?

It's an extra-special day of…

  • no writing
  • no drawing
  • no pens.

And it's organised by Speech and Language UK!

It's the chattiest fundraising challenge around. It helps children who struggle with talking and understanding words feel heard. Plus, it boosts speech, language, and communication skills in the classroom.

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Who are Speech and Language UK?

Our vision

Every child who is facing challenges with talking and understanding words can look to the future with confidence.

Our mission

We give children and young people the skills they need so they aren’t left behind, waiting to be understood.

We do this by creating tools for schools and nurseries, giving advice and guidance to families and putting pressure on politicians.

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Design programmes

Provide training

Support families

Push for policy change

Run two specialist 

schools

What does Speech and Language UK do?

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children are struggling with talking and understanding words in the UK right now.

Two million

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Without communication skills, children can struggle to:

make friends

learn

get a job.

have good mental health

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Consequences of speech and language challenges

Children with speech and language challenges are more likely to:

  • fall behind in Maths and English

  • struggle with mental health problems

  • deal with less secure employment          as adults

  • have difficulties with young offending.

That's why the right support is so important.

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By taking part in No Pens Day, we can help raise money to support children who struggle with talking and understanding words.

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The benefits of taking part

No Pens Day is about making a difference for a good cause – but there's more. 

Taking part can help our pupils develop their own communication skills, boosting their confidence, learning and friendships. 

And when we hit fundraising milestones, we'll get free access to Speech and Language UK's expert-led learning bundles.  

Remember: Always share our school's personal fundraising page! We want to top the No Pens Day leaderboard. 

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Biggest ever show and tell!

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What do schools who have taken part before say?

“The best bit was the way the children talked to each about the reasons why we were taking part.”

93% said they would recommend No Pens Day to other teachers and colleagues.

“Raised awareness of the importance of a rich language environment… some very creative activities explored and a very enjoyable giant show and tell.”

“It was nice for the quieter children who tend to shy away to have a chance to speak uninterrupted and show/talk about something they are interested in. Some new friendships are beginning and children have realised they have a shared interest.”

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Preparation for the day

  • Read through the how-to guide for teachers.
  • Tell children to:
    • bring something in from home to share for the biggest ever show and tell
    • share our school's fundraising page with families.
  • Print and send home the leaflet for families.
  • Take a look at the information and resources on the Speech and Language UK website: https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/get-involved/no-pens-day/