Reading aloud from a variety of books and genres as well as multiple readings of the same book promote the art of listening, alert students to the rhythms and patterns of language, enhance their experiences, stimulate their discussions, and provide models for oral reading. It is imperative that students regularly share what they think, know, and feel about literature through response logs, dialogue journals, book talks, conferences, role play, artistic extensions of literature, and other mediums. Equally important is the study of some texts in detail. Another major goal is for students to read broadly with the benefit of exposure to the defining features of a variety of genres. Strands Oral language, written language, and media and technology permeate all communication.
Oral language is the foundation on which all communication is based.
Oral language proficiency continues to develop in grades three to five and can be improved upon with instruction and guidance. Students who experience positive feedback to their efforts to use language and have opportunities to hear language used in a variety of social contexts have a broader base for their reading and writing development. Listening and speaking skills develop as students use them for meaningful purposes and with varied audiences. Opportunities to speak for different purposes to different audiences assist students in becoming more efficient in their application of oral language. Through discussion of texts and content area study, students build upon, expand, and refine their vocabularies and concept knowledge.