Characteristics
Students with verbal ability needs have trouble expressing themselves orally and/or understanding verbal information. They often have a reduced vocabulary and knowledge.
Oral Language Skills
What it is
An area of student need, involving difficulty with understanding and/or expressing oral language.
Teaching Strategies
Instructional
• Pair oral with visual instructions.
• Pre-teach vocabulary with concrete materials and visuals.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Use repetition.
• Check with the student to ensure correct understanding of instructions.
• Teach the student to ask for clarification.
• Chunk activities into parts and provide feedback at each stage.
• Use graphic organizers.
• Use colour coding.
• Build on the current knowledge of the student.
• Use Differentiated Instruction and multi-media.
• Use a home communication tool.
• Use computers and assistive technology.
• Use augmentative communication for students who cannot communicate verbally (see links below for more information).
• Consider referral to the school board’s speech-language pathology staff.
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Environmental
• Use preferential seating to position the student near the teacher.
• Post reference materials and vocabulary words with definitions.
Assessment
• Provide extra time.
• Use computers/assistive technology.
• Ensure the student understands test questions.
• Provide options for assignments for the student to choose areas to demonstrate his/her strengths.
• Reduce oral presentations.
• Use cloze and/or multiple choice rather than essay questions.
Resources
