The Link Between Language and Literacy EDU 280 Fall 2014

Discuss  Why is oral language development important during the preschool years?

Keys to Future Success as Readers and Writers  Oral Language Skills  Large Vocabularies  Many Experiences using language

What is language?  Language is a system of words with rules for their use in speaking, reading, and writing.  Learning language involves learning a set of language systems each with its own rules.  In order to communicate your thoughts, ideas, and feelings, everyone has to have a clear understanding of the rules.

Rules of Language  Sounds of language (phonology)  Structure of language (syntax)  Meaning of language (semantics)

Phonology  44 separate sounds (phonemes)  Pitch (high or low voice)  Stress (how loud or how soft a sound is)  Juncture (pauses and connections between words, phrases, and sentences)

Read these sentences  When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.  The farm was used to produce produce.  The soldier decided to desert his unit in the desert after eating the dessert.  The wind is too strong to wind the sail.

Syntax  Word order (structure of language)  Children must learn how words work together to form phrases, clauses, and sentences.

Semantics  Rules about the meaning language communicates.  These rules govern vocabulary development.

The Link Between Language and Literacy Sounds of language Phonology Structure of language Syntax Meaning of language Semantics Phonological awareness Letter/sound correspondence (phonics) Comprehension of more complex written language Listening and reading comprehension Word Recognition

English Language Learners  A strong base in a first language promotes school achievement in a second language.  English language learners are more likely to become readers and writers of English if they are already familiar with the vocabulary and concepts in their primary language.

Teachers…  Plan oral language experiences  Create an environment that promotes oral language use.

Planned Oral Language Experiences  Firsthand experiences  Conversations  Songs, rhymes, and other playful language games

 Oral language is the basis for the development of reading and writing.  As children engage in oral language experiences, they learn new vocabulary and about the way language is structured.  Children who have a solid understanding of oral language, can more easily transfer what they know into written language.