Let's Talk About It

You've probably seen the youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmA2ClUvUY
of the twin boys and their babbling conversation.  I've also read various comments about the oral language development of these twins.  Some people are lauding the video as a great example or "twin speak."  Others are concerned about the lack of oral language development of these 18 month old babies. I personally think that we can't tell about their oral language development through a very short video clip.  We don't know how they communicate with their parents or with other children. What we do know is that children are born to speak and to interact with others. We also know that they learn to talk by talking and that oral language development becomes the basis for developing essential literacy skills. Jerome Brunner (1983) says that "proficiency in oral language provides children with a vital tool for thought.  Without fluent and structured oral language, children will find it difficult to think." 

A class of kindergarten students can enter with huge discrepancies in oral language development and it is important for teachers to help students develop their language skills and to close the gap between the language advanced and the language delayed students. Research shows that children with oral language problems are at higher risk of reading and writing difficulties (Scarborough, 2001). The most important thing an early childhood educator can do is to make sure children have an opportunity to talk and interact with mixed-age groups.  Pretty basic really.  Quiet classrooms do not encourage language development! (Students need opportunities to talk before school, at recess, and at lunch too!) Activities such as dramatic play, block building, partner work, research groups, older class buddies, and reading and telling stories are all ways that encourage collaboration and discussion. It is also important to establish an environment where children feel comfortable enough to ask questions and respond to prompts. Through class discussions students learn that communication is both verbal and nonverbal.  They learn to wait for their turn to talk.  They learn to provide feedback to others and to accept feedback from others.

How do they learn those skills? It is important that oral language play a key role in the classroom, a place where "talk is valued as a learning tool" (Peregoy &Boyle, 1997).
Teachers have to model good listening skills by genuinely listening to their students and engaging them in conversations. Teachers have to model conversation skills and how to give and receive feedback. Teachers also have to provide guided practice by conducting interactive read alouds and by using role-playing.

As I've said before, if you want to know what children think, just ask them! And you'll be helping them with their oral language development too!