8/17/2023

Lexia English and the Science of Reading for Ohio

Research shows that oral language, namely the skills and knowledge that go into listening and speaking, is the foundation of later reading ability. Having a solid foundation in oral language helps learners become successful readers and strong communicators, as oral language skills provide the foundation for word reading and comprehension. 

Why? Students must be able to understand and use academic spoken language in order to be expected to understand written language. In other words, it’s difficult to learn to read and comprehend words if you do not know what they mean. We can’t expect students to comprehend what they are reading if they don’t comprehend what they are listening to, and we can’t expect them to read and comprehend words that they don’t use in spoken language. 

Therefore, oral language (spoken and listening comprehension) influences word recognition and is critical to reading comprehension. Oral language skills are at the heart of listening and reading comprehension, serving as a predictor for both—and, as a result, Lexia® English Language Development™ focuses on speaking, listening, and grammar to lay a strong foundation for learners’ later reading ability.