Building a strong oral language base is just as important as building a strong knowledge of reading and writing. In fact, for students with reading and writing challenges, oral language activities can be their time to shine. They are also especially good for your English and Dual Language Learners who need to learn to communicate in multiple languages. Use the prompts below for inspiration and to help your students gain confidence in presenting to the class (or just to you!) about the things they love.
Ideas for Developing Oral Language Skills
Speak from Experience
- A favorite vacation
- Family life
- Birthday memories
- A funny experience
Share Knowledge About…
- A favorite animal
- A favorite game/video game
- A favorite sport
- A place
- A time in history
- A person
How-To/Explanations
- How to play a game
- How to play a sport
- How to do a craft
- How to make a certain food/follow a recipe
- How to use a tool
- How to play an instrument
Creative Drama
- Give a talk as someone from history
- Do a puppet show
- Readers’ Theater
- Write a song and perform it
Review/Editorials
- A favorite book
- A movie
- A popular or classic song
- A television show
- A restaurant
- The school cafeteria
- The playgrounds around school
- Your town
Interviews (these can be done in person or recorded)
- A teacher
- The principal
- The custodian
- A family member
- A friend
- A local artist or author
What are some of your favorite ways or best tips for promoting oral language development throughout the school year? Share them with us below or on the Really Good Teachers forums!