ABSTRACT
While second language classes have often emphasized the development of the oral language, first language classes (either in English or in another language) have neglected oral language in favor of literacy development. In reality, students need both oral and literacy skills to succeed in school. Both social and academic settings require the ability to listen and speak. Moreover, oral and written language support each other in development. Students may come to school with different levels of proficiency in the oral language (first or second). Most children will have the basic social skills in their native language. Their ability in social settings in the second language will vary depending on the amount of contact they have had with native speakers. Oral ability for academic purposes will depend on the kind of talk used at home or the amount of previous schooling the students have had.
