Why is Oral Language so important when we are working with children who are learning to read?

The Victorian Education Dept tells us the following about the importance of Oral Language....

Oral Language is the foundation for student learning. It is essential for Literacy and the successful use of language is critical for students’ wellbeing. Almost all classroom-based learning relies on Oral Language.

Students vary in their ability to use their existing language in order to learn. The level of Oral Language knowledge and competency of some students is likely to be substantially different from the demands of the Australian Curriculum.

An explicit Oral Language Program acknowledges that the ‘Speaking & Listening’ dimension of the English Domain requires further elaboration for those students with Oral Language difficulties, or gaps in language knowledge, skills and practise.

West Hobart Education Consultancy Service has developed an easy to 'pick up and use' method for parents and teachers to assist children who are at risk of lower levels of Oral Language.

See my Facebook page for a printable copy