The Link Between Language and Literacy

The Link Between
Language and Literacy
EDU 280
Fall 2014
Discuss

Why is oral language development
important during the preschool years?
Keys to Future Success as Readers and
Writers
Oral Language Skills
 Large Vocabularies
 Many Experiences using language

What is language?
Language is a system of words with rules
for their use in speaking, reading, and
writing.
 Learning language involves learning a set
of language systems each with its own
rules.
 In order to communicate your thoughts,
ideas, and feelings, everyone has to have
a clear understanding of the rules.

Rules of Language
Sounds of language (phonology)
 Structure of language (syntax)
 Meaning of language (semantics)

Phonology
44 separate sounds (phonemes)
 Pitch (high or low voice)
 Stress (how loud or how soft a sound is)
 Juncture (pauses and connections
between words, phrases, and sentences)

Read these sentences
When shot at, the dove dove into the
bushes.
 The farm was used to produce produce.
 The soldier decided to desert his unit in
the desert after eating the dessert.
 The wind is too strong to wind the sail.

Syntax
Word order (structure of language)
 Children must learn how words work
together to form phrases, clauses, and
sentences.

Semantics
Rules about the meaning language
communicates.
 These rules govern vocabulary
development.

The Link Between
Language and Literacy
Sounds of language
Phonology
Structure of language
Syntax
Meaning of language
Semantics
Phonological
awareness
Letter/sound
correspondence
(phonics)
Comprehension of
more complex written
language
Listening and
reading
comprehension
Word Recognition
English Language Learners
A strong base in a first language promotes
school achievement in a second language.
 English language learners are more likely
to become readers and writers of English
if they are already familiar with the
vocabulary and concepts in their primary
language.

Teachers…
Plan oral language experiences
 Create an environment that promotes oral
language use.

Planned Oral Language Experiences

Firsthand experiences

Conversations

Songs, rhymes, and other playful
language games
Oral language is the basis for the
development of reading and writing.
 As children engage in oral language
experiences, they learn new vocabulary
and about the way language is structured.
 Children who have a solid understanding
of oral language, can more easily transfer
what they know into written language.


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