Meaningful Oral Language Concepts

Foundations for Learning to Read

Oral language is the basic foundation for which reading and writing take place. Students are aware of the language that is spoken around them and how it is used. First comes the 'working knowledge' of the structure of language, which build upon and use to develop their spoken words (oral language). By learning how to pronounce words, it helps students develop phonemic awareness which benefits their ability to learn to read and write.



The Needs of English Language Learners

BICS and CALP are the two types or language proficiency that is required of students. We know that BICS (social language) must be mastered before moving on to CALP (academic language). The most basic oral communication can be achieved in about two years, but can take anywhere from five to seven years to accomplish. Once a student become proficient in CALP, they are expected to have cultural and linguistic knowledge, and reach levels beyond their proficiency levels.
A way to encourage the use of oral language in the classroom is to incorporate partner work and group work. Reading to and with the students as well as listening them reading are great ways to involve oral language in the classroom more. Research shows that the majority of talk in the classroom is done by the teacher, and it will be my goal to shift the communication and oral language from me to the students.
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