Oral language is the foundation of literacy development. Before students can read and write effectively, they must develop strong listening and speaking skills. This connection is especially crucial for multilingual learners, who rely on oral language development to build vocabulary, comprehension, and academic language proficiency. Research consistently shows that oral language skills directly impact reading fluency, comprehension, and writing abilities—making intentional oral language instruction essential in every classroom.

So, how can educators bridge oral language and literacy to support multilingual learners? Here are three powerful strategies to strengthen this connection.

1. Providing a Safe Space for Risk-Taking

For multilingual learners to develop oral language skills, they must feel comfortable speaking in class. Creating a low-stress, supportive environment helps students take risks and practice language without fear of mistakes. Teachers can:

• Encourage a culture...