In the early years, oral language is the foundation for all learning. It’s how children share ideas, build friendships, develop vocabulary, and lay the groundwork for reading and writing. When children can clearly express themselves and understand others, they are better equipped to thrive both in the classroom and in life.

At A.B. Paterson College, we weave oral language into every part of the day: from sharing stories and participating in discussions to explaining problem-solving in Mathematics. At home, parents and carers can also play a powerful role in growing these skills through simple, everyday interactions.

One of the most effective ways to nurture oral language is by sharing stories together. Reading aloud each day, even if it’s just a short picture book, provides rich opportunities for conversation. Pause as you read to talk about the characters, wonder aloud about what might happen next, and explore how a character might be feeling. Encouraging your child to retell the story in their own words helps them practise sequencing and recall while strengthening their ability to express ideas clearly.

A key link between oral language and literacy is this: if a child cannot say it, they cannot write it (Wilson, 2012). Strong speaking and listening skills provide the structure and vocabulary that underpin successful writing. Fluent oral discussions, both at home and at school, give children the chance to practise expressing their thoughts, experiment with new words, and organise their ideas. When children are immersed in rich, back-and-forth conversations where every possibility for sharing and exploring ideas is embraced, they become more confident and capable communicators — and, in turn, more capable writers.

Real conversations are equally important. Asking open-ended questions such as, “what was the best part of your day?” instead of “did you have a good day?” invites your child to share more than a one-word answer. Give them time to think before responding and show genuine interest by following up on what they say. These small moments of attentive listening show children that their thoughts and opinions are valued.

Playful word games are another excellent way to develop language skills. Games like “I Spy” with letter sounds (“I spy something beginning with /s/”), “Guess My Word” (where you give clues for a mystery word), or rhyming challenges encourage children to think about sounds, patterns, and meaning in a fun, low-pressure way.

Building vocabulary can happen naturally throughout the day. Introducing new words in context (for example: pointing to the sky and saying, “that cloud looks enormous; enormous means very, very big”) helps children connect new vocabulary to real experiences. Using rich, descriptive language when talking about places, objects, or events also provides valuable models for children to draw on in their own speech.

Role play is a wonderful tool for both language and imagination. Setting up a pretend shop, café, or post office at home and taking turns being the customer or shopkeeper allows children to use real-life language in playful settings. These scenarios also encourage problem-solving, turn-taking, and collaboration.

Finally, retelling real-life events is an excellent way to practise sequencing and narrative skills. After a family outing, ask your child to describe what happened from beginning to end, prompting them with sequencing words such as first, then, next, and finally. This helps children organise their thoughts and communicate them in a logical order.

By making oral language a natural part of everyday life, you are giving your child the confidence and skills to communicate effectively — a gift that will serve them well for years to come.

Trent Davis | P-2 Curriculum & Wellbeing Coordinator

Reference: Wilson, R. (2012). Big writing: Writing voice & basic skills. Oxford University Press.