Children and oral language

Recognizing the concern about effectiveness in written communication and in reading skills, the organizations involved in producing this booklet expressed an equal concern for effectiveness in speaking and listening, the base for reading and writing. The results of much research indicate that listening can be improved through teaching and that oral language facility has a direct bearing upon the way children read and write. Classroom practices in instructional levels, kindergarten through grade six, are described and the specific listening and speaking needs of the children are stated. Helpful suggestions for the roles which parents, teachers, administrators, research workers, and supervisors need to assume in providing the proper atmosphere for each child to develop his listening and speaking abilities are set forth. Steps which should be taken to improve the evaluation of these oral language activities are indicated.