Why oral language is important

To be a great writer it is important that our children first have great oral language skills.  

Oral language is much more than speaking and listening.  We think and learn through language -oral language is the basis of all thought and communication.  Our oral language practices shape us as people and affect every aspect of our lives.  From 'Learning through talk Oral Language in Years 4 to 8.

Try these ideas for helping your child to develop their Oral language skills;

• Connect 3 random items in a story.  For example a tree a duck and cup of tea.  Can you tell each other a story with all three items in it?

• Play 'would you rather?'  Would you rather be invisible or be able to fly? Explain why.  See here for more ideas

• Tell each other absurd stories about your day.  " Today a hippopotamus walked into my office, sat down, and started drinking my coffee."

• Invent a tongue twister of your own.  Or try saying some of these traditional ones Link

• Tell a story about a random object.