About the Event
March 24, 2026, 8 p.m.
Strong oral language skills lay the foundation for a lifetime of literacy success. Decades of research highlight oral language as a critical driver of vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and overall academic achievement. In today’s classrooms, students enter school with a wide range of language experiences, and it is the role of educators to nurture these skills intentionally to support continued academic growth. This work is especially essential when monolingual and multilingual children are developing oral language skills in English along a diverse continuum. In this interactive session, with Dr. Allison Slone and Dr. Nicole Florez, participants will explore practical, classroom-ready strategies that purposefully strengthen oral language development in K–2 settings. Together, we will explore how rich visuals, intentional vocabulary instruction, and interactive read-aloud routines can be used to create meaningful opportunities for students to listen, talk, and develop their oral language proficiency. Educators will leave with concrete, ready-to-implement strategies that promote purposeful student talk, deepen comprehension, and support all learners in finding and strengthening their voice.
Topic: Phonological Awareness, Reading, Writing
Grade: K-2
