Let’s Talk Foundations: Oral Language Development I

Oral language—listening and talking—is the primary means by which young children learn about and interact with the world. This training offers simple but powerful ideas to support young children build the skills, knowledge, vocabulary, and attitudes that can help prepare them for future academic learning across the content areas. Specifically, this program, which can be delivered as an intensive two-day seminar or split into separate workshops, offers an overview of the research on oral language development and addresses: activities to enhance circle time; ideas for more effective read alouds; ways to develop language through content-related activities; and ways to enhance children’s dramatic play and language development during free choice time. Information is also given on language diversity and bilingualism, effective classroom and activity area arrangements, and organizing successful oral language instruction.

The following excerpt includes materials for a professional development workshop on supporting English Language Learners (ELLs: