Talking to Learn: Why Oral Language Shapes Every Child’s Success

The Opportunity

In every classroom, conversation is more than chit-chat—it’s the foundation of learning. Yet oral language skills don’t develop by accident. Without explicit opportunities to speak, listen, and share, students can struggle with reading comprehension, writing quality, and problem-solving.

The refreshed curriculum, Te Mātaiaho, recognises this: oral language is not an “extra” but the beating heart of literacy. If we want confident readers and writers, we must first grow confident speakers and listeners.

What is Oral Language?

Oral language is a network of skills working together:

• Speaking – Communicating ideas clearly and confidently.

• Listening – Understanding and interpreting meaning.

• Vocabulary – Knowing the right word at the right time.

• Sentence structure – Organising ideas so they flow logically.

• Storytelling – Sequencing events with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

It’s thinking aloud, organising ideas, and building connections—all in real time.

Why It Matters in Learning

Research consistently shows: students with strong oral language skills are more likely to excel in literacy. They:

• Grasp new concepts faster because they can connect them to prior knowledge.

• Participate fully in discussions, adding to and learning from others’ ideas.

• Develop empathy through hearing multiple perspectives.

• Write with precision using a richer vocabulary.

Te Mātaiaho’s English learning area makes it explicit—oral language underpins every other literacy skill.

Some argue that oral language happens naturally and doesn’t need targeted teaching. However, relying on chance leaves too many behind. Structured, intentional oral language teaching levels the playing field.

Equally important is recognising that oral language is not the sole responsibility of “English learning time.” Every learning area—Science, Mathematics, The Arts, Health and Physical Education, Technology—requires students to talk, question, explain, and justify their thinking. If oral language opportunities are limited to literacy blocks, we restrict student voice and limit their ability to engage deeply with content. 

Making oral language an explicit focus across all subjects ensures that every child has repeated, meaningful chances to practise the skills of speaking, listening, and responding. Whether it’s explaining a mathematical strategy, debating a scientific idea, or reflecting on a piece of art, students need guided support to develop the confidence and precision to communicate effectively.

How Whānau Can Build Oral Language at Home

You don’t need flashcards or fancy programs—just time, curiosity, and conversation:

• Talk about the day beyond “How was school?” Try: “What made you laugh today?”

• Swap stories—from books, your own life, or invented together.

• Play with words—replace “big” with “gigantic” or “enormous.”

• Cook or build together—narrate steps and describe what’s happening.

• Play games like “I spy” with adjectives or “20 Questions.”

Be an active listener —ask follow-up questions and model conversational turn-taking.

Oral language is the golden thread connecting every part of learning. When students are surrounded by rich, purposeful conversation—at school and at home—their words become tools for thinking, connecting, and creating.