The relationship between oral language and literacy learning is reciprocal. Children draw on their oral ( or signed) language when they learn to read and write and in turn their progress in literacy learning enriches and expands their oral language. Learning through Talk (MOE 2009): available from Down the Back of the Chair.
Through focused discussion we can support students to:
Learning Through Talk: Oral Language in Years 1–3, and 4–8: available from Down the Back of the Chair. Resources to help teachers understand the central role of oral language in supporting students’ learning.
There are 10 oral language exemplars, covering the functions of speaking and listening as set out in English in the New Zealand Curriculum. They are available on video which has been distributed to schools: Speaking and Listening: Interpersonal Speaking: Group Discussion.
