Blog
The Importance of Language Development
Language Development is a crucial life-skill.
It is primarily concerned with communication, and how this can be processed and delivered effectively. There needs to be a full understanding of the etiquette that should be used in formal and informal situations, and this understanding is a key part of Language Development which assists with both academic and personal life.
There are three main areas of Language Development: Reading, Writing and Oracy (Speaking/Verbal).
Due to a vast number of contributing factors such as the advancement of technological communication, Lockdown during the Covid era (limiting students’ educational experience), and the decline in reading books by younger generations, there are increasing gaps materialising in young peoples’ Language Development skills.
Without a solid understanding of language skills (in Reading, Writing and Oracy) children cannot access learning effectively, as this is the foundation to accessing information to learn, and supports a high-quality output.
Reading extensively and for pleasure can foster the development of stronger reading habits and increase Language Development skills at a greater rate than through formal Language Development Lessons.
In a world which is hectic and dominated by technology, books allow us to travel to a different world. They allow us to connect with characters and emotions, which further develops empathy skills.
Reading strengthens imagination and promotes curiosity, helping to visualise key information and boosting memory cells. Through reading, the reader develops knowledge about new people, places, and events. This allows the reader to be exposed to new belief systems and different ideas, and this strengthens their ability to tolerate others by becoming more understanding about different perspectives.
Writing is the fuel that drives an important form of communication, and communication serves as a framework for society. In short, no matter what pathway someone chooses in life, they will need to be able to write effectively. Whether writing skills are needed to apply for a job, update social media, write emails, organise invoices, advertise a business, or study for a course, they will be an integral part of everyone's life.
Writing can be supported at home by:
- Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely) writing goals that inspires children, such as writing a story for 10 minutes every day.
- Make a writing schedule as a family
- Create a writing corner
- List ideas to write about, this can be in many forms, including a mind-map, story-boards, word clouds etc.
- Write a book or film review as a family
- Describe a picture in words
- Describe everyday objects
- Write a journal or diary
- Create an instruction manual
- Write a poem, song or play
- Write letters
- Write on tablets, whiteboards, different coloured/sized paper and use a range of pens.
The importance of developing Oracy is boundless.
It goes far beyond academic achievement and skills to help with employability. Oracy skills boost a whole range of essential qualities, including social, emotional and a range of interpersonal skills, such as self-confidence, empathy, resilience, and self-awareness. In terms of the other Language Development skills, Oracy supports a reader to make sense of what they are reading and promotes comprehension and inference techniques.
Ways to support Oracy at home:
- Read aloud to your child
- Record a video diary or Vlog
- Play word games
- Talk about their day
- Phone a friend or relative
- Go on a nature walk and describe what can be heard and seen
- Sign up for a club
The following graphic shows how teachers at Valley Park school are considering Language Development and how it can be promoted within lessons. This was introduced in September and will be re-evaluated throughout the year to ensure that it is always at the heart of what we do, on a day to day basis:
Below you will find the structure of “The Language Tree”. This shows each stage of development within Language and how each integral part support the other for a rounded experience and access to full knowledge. This diagram can be used to support Language Development at home and at school:
