What is Oracy

What is Oracy?

The ability to understand and use spoken language.

​Why is it important?

Oracy Aotearoa believes a lack of attention to and resourcing of low oracy tamariki, is a significant factor in NZ's falling literacy rates.

Oracy connects us with others, allows us to participate and provides the foundations for learning. Being able to talk about our lives and tell our stories is fundamental for our well-being. 

How does it impact the lives of those without it?

Lack of oracy at any age will negatively affect most aspects of our lives. When these skills fail to develop in the early years; relationships, learning and confidence will be the first casualties. 

Examples

  • Making connections with peers and adults is much easier when my language skills are strong. 

  • Negotiating conflict is much harder with poor oracy.

  • Safety can be compromised when I don't understand instructions.

  • Being able to express my emotions with words is often safer than actions.

  • If I'm sick or lost, words will be helpful.

Simple tips to help develop and promote oracy in your whanau and community

  1. Name and explain things e.g. "It's raining outside. We need to wear our raincoats, so we don't get wet." v "Get your coat!".
    "It's time to mow the lawn. Let's put our earmuffs on to protect our ears." v "Put those on!".

  2. Share your stories, talk about your day before asking children about theirs.

  3. Take turns at being the talker and the listener.

  4. Ask less questions and try to make them "open" questions e.g. "Who's sitting in the car?" v "Is dad sitting in the car?",
    ​"What is your favourite vegetable?" v "Do you like carrots?"

  5. Be patient when waiting for your child to respond - rushing them or asking extra questions will be unhelpful. 

  6. Describe objects, how they function, their purpose and where you might find them, etc.

  7. Feeding in language is vital to its development. 

How are Oracy and Literacy related?

While they are closely related, oracy comes first and provides the foundation for successful literacy development. Talking and listening are natural processes, reading and writing are not. Focussing on literacy development for low oracy tamariki is bound to end in failure. Developing strong oracy scaffolds successful literacy learning.