Research has shown that there are six key components that contribute to successful beginning reading. Because of the importance of these components, they have become known as the 'Big Six’: oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. In the early years of schooling, English lessons will incorporate the Big Six.

Over the coming newsletters, we will share information about each of the 'Big Six'. 

Today's spotlight is on the first of these Big Six....Oral Language.

Oral language is the foundation of all literacy skills. When young children experience rich oral language by talking with and listening to adults and other children, they have a large ‘bank’ of spoken vocabulary, words they understand when used in spoken communication. 

Families can support their child with their oral language development by providing a variety of opportunities for children to listen and talk for different purposes.

Here are a few ideas:

• Talk to your child and listen responsively. Ask and answer questions.
• Read aloud to your child at least once a day using a wide variety of texts. Books expose children to vocabulary and sentence structures that they wouldn't normally hear in everyday situations. Research has shown that reading aloud to children is a major factor in their success in learning to read at school.
• Talk with your child about the books you read aloud together. Ask your child about the characters, plot or setting; the themes and ideas raised by the book; topics they’d like to read or learn more about as a result of reading aloud.

See our next newsletter for the next 'Big Six'... Phonological Awareness. 

Mrs Christine Perre - Acting Assistant Principal