Includes bibliographies.

"Language is power! And Claire Staab believes that teachers can help children make this power their own by providing plenty of opportunities for them to use oral language - speaking and listening - in the classroom. Oral Language for Today's Classroom is full of practical ideas for creating an environment that fosters the use of oral language, planning activities that integrate speaking and listening into the curriculum, and assessing children's progress towards using language effectively.

An associate professor in the language education department at the University of British Columbia, Claire Staab specializes in the use of oral language in elementary school settings. Before receiving her doctorate from Arizona State University, she was a classroom teacher, a school-based reading and language specialist, and a language arts curriculum coordinator." (Book Cover)

CONTENTS:

Preface Language Is Power Oral Language Is Important Oral Language in the Classroom

Creating an Environment for Oral Language Establishing Rules and Procedures The Classroom Atmosphere The Physical Environment

Talk Structures Teacher-to-Large or Small Groups Child-to-Adult Child-to-Child Child-to-Small Group Help Students Function Successfully Child-to-Large Group Planning Your Own Talk Structures

Functions of Language The Five Functions of Language Encouraging Use of Language for Different Functions Assessing Use of Oral Language Responding to Children's Interests and the Curriculum

Listening Teaching Listening Instructional Strategies A Word about Assessment

"Doing" Oral Language in the Classroom Time Blocks Themes Learning Centers

Bibliography Talk Structures Functions of Language Listening "Doing" Oral Language in the Classroom