What do we mean by Oral Language Development?
Strong oral language skills provide a foundation for literacy learning and well well-being as they enable learners to understand others, form relationships and produce language /communication in the most effective way possible. Promoting oral language development involves creating inclusive environments that encourage meaningful communication and interaction for all learners. This process encompasses not only spoken language but also gestures, facial expressions, and other forms of nonverbal communication. It involves acquiring vocabulary, understanding grammar and syntax, learning to express thoughts and ideas, and engaging in conversations.
Useful Resources
By fostering a supportive environment that embraces diverse modes of communication, we lay the groundwork for literacy. This may include using visual supports, modelling language, providing structured routines, and offering opportunities for peer interaction and collaboration.
“Providing immersive and interactive oral language experiences, including storytelling, discussions, and vocabulary instruction, is paramount for fostering comprehension skills and effective communication”
The Reading Framework, 2023, DfEFoundations in Literacy Instruction