Oral language refers to all aspects of spoken language, including children’s growing vocabularies of new and varied words. When children have strong language models, they develop strong language skills. Dual language learners develop early language and vocabulary skills in two (or more) languages. Children show that they are developing oral language when they learn and use new vocabulary and use phrases, sentences, and stories that become more complex over time. Teachers will learn classroom strategies focused on conversation development with children, supporting both receptive (hearing and understanding languages) and expressive (making and using their language knowledge) language skills.
