How does oral language development contribute to literacy?

Oral language development is fundamentally connected to literacy as it lays the groundwork for reading and writing skills. When children engage in oral language activities—such as conversations, storytelling, and listening exercises—they naturally expand their vocabulary and develop a deeper understanding of language structures. This enhanced vocabulary and understanding support reading comprehension since proficient readers can better grasp the meanings of words and sentences in texts. Furthermore, strong oral language skills enable children to express their thoughts clearly in writing, thereby improving their writing abilities. In essence, oral language development enriches both reading comprehension and writing, facilitating overall literacy growth in young learners.