A good foundation in speaking and listening helps children become better readers. To succeed at reading, children need a basic vocabula- ry, some knowledge of the world around them, and the ability to talk about what they know. These skills enable children to understand written material more readily.
Research shows a strong connection between reading and listening.
A child who is listening well shows it by being able to retell stories and repeat instructions. Children who are good listeners in kindergarten and first grade are likely to become successful readers by the third grade. Good fifth-grade listeners are likely to do well on aptitude and achievement tests in high school. Such discussions should not be limited to reading selections that are part of classwork. Conversing with children about the world around them will help them reflect on past experiences and on what they will see, do, and read about in the future.