Language & Literacy

LANGUAGE
• Can be defined as human
speech, the written symbols
for speech, or any means of
communicating. Language
development follows a
predictable sequence. It is
related, but tied to,
chronologically age. This
development process
includes both sending and
receiving information.
• Is learned through use.
LITERACY
• The ability to read and
write, gives one the
command of a native
language for the purpose of
communicating. The
involves skills in learning,
speaking, reading, and
writing. The excitement of
learning to read and write,
hopefully, will be as
rewarding as a child’s first
words and first steps.

IMPORTANCE OF ORAL LANGUAGE

• Children who develop strong oral language skills during the
preschool years create an important foundation for their later
achievements in reading, especially reading comprehension
(Storch & Whitehurst, 2002).
• Children who lag behind their peers in language development
are at-risk for later reading difficulties (Catts, Fey, Tomblin, &
Zhang, 2002).
• Vocabulary knowledge is strongly related to reading proficiency
and overall academic success (Beck, McKeown,& Kucan, 2002)

Stages in Language Development

5 COMPONENTS OF ORAL LANGUAGE

Conversational Strategies & Peer

Conversations
Things to Avoid When Talking to Children

How Do We Increase Children’s

Vocabularies?
Instruction: 5 Best Practices