Oral language is the basis for all methods of communication. Students need exposure to oral language that uses detailed words, complex sentences, and varied vocabulary. Students develop their oral language skills through instruction and frequent exposure.
How parents and teachers talk with students (especially young students) is important. Parents and teachers are role models for how students speak. Teachers must be conscious of the language they use when teaching. Over-simplified language does not develop a student’s oral language skills. They must encourage students to use precise, extended language through correct grammar.
Oral Language and the Growth Process
Students need to listen to achieve a well-developed oral language. Listening to what is said helps the brain process language effectively. Students who lack strong listening skills have difficulty understanding directions and questions. Well-developed oral language enables students to focus on the intended message.
If the language is not developed, students have difficulty with vocabulary, sentence structure, and self-expression. To acknowledge that someone is speaking, students need to look at the speaker. This gives them an awareness of nonverbal body language. They should avoid interrupting and raise their hand to ask questions.
Language and Literacy go Hand-in-Hand
Students naturally build spoken language through their experiences and interactions. They listen and engage in conversations.
Language skills are correlated with literacy achievement. The more students know and use oral language properly, the better equipped they are to succeed in reading and writing. Their exposure at home and in school influences their comprehension. Thus, their fluency and understanding of written text increase.
Students must hear spoken language in the classroom. Teachers need to be conscious of how they speak. They must follow the rules of proper grammar and complex sentences. They should not oversimplify language for students. They also must expect students to speak in sentences using correct grammar.
Practice Strategies
Oral language practice benefits all students. The practice of oral speaking furthers a student’s vocabulary use, articulation of thoughts, and spoken expression.
- Read-alouds and book discussions help students with their oral language skills.
- Direct instruction helps to extend vocabulary through meaningful text. It gives students a chance to hear the pronunciation and how it is used.
- Ask questions for students to think more deeply.
- Model discussions to promote critical thinking.
- Encourage groups to engage in peer modeling and collaboration to create more meaningful discussions.
Oral language is quintessential for literacy development. Oral language is a direct path to written text and to reading proficiency. It ultimately leads to the development of literate minds.
