Oral language interventions also known as oracy or speaking and listening interventions refer to approaches that emphasise the importance of spoken language and verbal interaction in the classroom. They include dialogic activities. Some pupils may struggle specifically with spoken language. Schools should consider how they will identify pupils that need additional support around oral language and articulation. It may be helpful to focus on speaking and listening activities separately where needed to meet particular needs. Some studies also often report improved classroom climate and fewer behavioural issues following work on oral language. Approaches that focus on speaking, listening and a combination of the two all show positive impacts on attainment. Most of the studies focus on reading outcomes.
Holistic Assessment
What is it?
Oral language development—in both English and the home language—should be a central focus in teaching Multilingual Learners MLs. Oral language strategies should be used intentionally to promote both languages. Key oral language skills include expressive and receptive vocabulary, listening comprehension, and grammatical knowledge, all of which are critical for future reading comprehension. Such interactions foster language development and achievement. It is important for teachers to serve as strong language models in the languages that they speak. Further, they need to be clear about which language will be used at different times language allocation. Oral language practices should be integrated with the other strategies presented in this Toolkit. Video: Complex Oral Language.
Strategies in action
Read what teachers are saying about using Discussions4Learning with their students. Research shows that students who develop strong vocabulary skills go on to develop strong reading comprehension skills. The most effective way to build student vocabulary is to give your students frequent oral language experiences. Discussions4Learning: builds overall vocabulary knowledge repeatedly exposes students to advanced, academic vocabulary in a variety of contexts prepares students to comprehend increasingly challenging cross-curricular vocabulary.
The Rainbow Oral Language Programme is a response to the oral language strand of the new primary language curriculum and answers the needs of teachers and pupils. Our innovative and vibrant oral language units are an easy-to-use online resource. There are 16 units per year , each divided into 4 lessons. Each unit includes:. Together with the online resource, these materials successfully support the demands of the oral language strand of the new curriculum. These plans link each unit explicitly to the oral language learning outcomes of the new primary language curriculum. Response books for all four classes are available to purchase. Should you wish to order them, please contact sales cjfallon.
