S5E6: The Power of Oral Language with Dr. Charles Hulme

What role does oral language play in learning to read and in learning, period? In this episode of Reading Road Trip, Kate Winn welcomes Dr. Charles Hulme. Dr. Hulme explains why oral language is far more than a contributor to reading comprehension. Drawing on decades of research, he describes how children's early language skills provide the foundation for phonological awareness, decoding, and later literacy success. He also discusses the critical role language plays as the "medium of instruction" across all areas of education.

Listeners will learn about practical ways educators can assess and support oral language development, the importance of rich conversations and structured language instruction, and the connections between oral language difficulties and dyslexia. Dr. Hulme also shares insights from his research on effective language interventions and why their benefits can last for years.

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Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Storyteller Skye: Teachings from My Ojibway Grandfather by Lindsay Christina King, illustrated by Carolyn Frank

OxEd & Assessment (Dr. Hulme's company)

LanguageScreen (oral language assessment tool discussed by Dr. Hulme) An evidence-based oral language screener for children ages 3.5–11 that assesses expressive vocabulary, receptive vocabulary, listening comprehension, and sentence repetition.

Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) Dr. Hulme referenced the structured oral language intervention programs he and colleagues have developed; NELI is one of the best-known early language interventions emerging from this work.

Charles Hulme – Google Scholar

Book Display at Perth & District Union Public Library - Thank you Susan!