Oral language is a crucial part of daily interactions. People who struggle with oral language have difficulties understanding and/or communicating clearly, in speaking and writing, which can have a considerable impact across all academic areas.

Difficulty in the development of oral language skills can affect various aspects of learning in the classroom. That is why it is important to recognize when a student may be struggling with oral language development.

Reading and writing begin with language. Most academic skills, social skills, and even the “soft skills” of vocational tasks are rooted in oral language. Students start to develop oral language skills long before they set foot in the classroom.

By assuming competency, we focus on the intent behind the student's response and the language they use. There are many reasons why incoming information might not be interpreted efficiently or correctly and equally many reasons why a student's response might not seem to "fit." It is crucial to show students that their contributions are valued.

There is a fundamental relationship between oral language, handwriting, and reading. Let's dive in to better understand how these three concepts work together to enhance literacy development in children.

Most academic instruction relies on oral language, the primary medium through which teachers convey information, give instructions, and engage students in learning. When we consider that not every student will have the same level of oral language proficiency, classroom teachers need ways to support these differences without reducing the quality of the content. One way to supplement oral language instruction is to present it alongside visual information.

Across the school day, students are exposed to new vocabulary during story reading, discussions, and content area instruction. Yet, hearing or reading a new word in a single context is not the same as learning it! Students may need 5 to 20 exposures to recognize and fully understand a new word.

Teachers should keep oral language at the forefront of their minds as oral language is foundational for all areas of learning. Strong verbal skills support reading comprehension, writing abilities, and overall academic performance. Students who can articulate their thoughts and understand others are more likely to excel academically.

Join Professor Maggie Snowling as she shares the latest research on the connection between oral language and dyslexia. Watch the Language is Everything for Literacy video, and see how strong oral language skills are fundamental to children's reading and literacy skills.