When parents think about school achievement, they often focus on reading, writing and maths. Yet one of the strongest predictors of academic success begins long before children pick up a pencil: oral language. Speaking and listening skills form the foundation for learning across all subjects and continue to influence performance long into the later years of schooling.
Oral language helps children understand how ideas connect. When students explain their thinking out loud, they organise information more clearly and strengthen their memory. This becomes especially important when they begin tackling more complex tasks, such as writing structured paragraphs or solving multi-step maths problems. The ability to communicate ideas confidently gives students a head start in every learning environment.
Listening skills are equally important. In the classroom, students must follow instructions, interpret new information and tune into key details during discussions. Strong listeners develop better comprehension, which leads to stronger results in reading. When students can listen carefully, they build a deeper understanding of words and sentence structures, which eventually appears in their own writing.
Parents can help build oral language every day with simple conversations. Asking children to explain what they did at school or describe a favourite part of their day encourages them to use new vocabulary and practise clear communication. Reading aloud together also supports language growth by introducing richer words and more complex ideas than children may encounter in casual conversation.
As children move into high school, oral language continues to matter. Class presentations, group discussions and debates all contribute to improved reasoning and confidence. Even subjects like science and geography rely on students being able to discuss concepts and justify their thinking.
When we talk with children, not just to them, we nurture crucial communication skills that support learning for life. Strong oral language opens the door to higher achievement, better relationships and a voice that grows with confidence.
Freddie Le Vay