NM PED 2026 Literacy and Humanities Summer Conference

This interactive workshop provides an understanding of the importance of intentional oral language development for literacy and learning success. This understanding will give you and your students a linguistic edge as they learn to read and write.

Language is the primary tool we use to make sense of the world around us. In the Reading is Language Model (Hulme and Snowling, 2025), there is a reciprocity between reading and language as literacy develops. Expanding upon the concepts of the Simple View of Reading (Gough and Tunmer, 1986), we will demonstrate that oral language skills are the essential precursor to the components of the SVR. As Dr. Charles Hulme suggests, the stagnation of NAEP scores highlights an urgent need for more robust language instruction.

During this session, we will discuss efficient assessments and programs that support the development of language skills critical for literacy. Additionally, you will experience concrete, brief instructional strategies designed to infuse language development throughout the school day. Language not only helps students improve their reading and writing skills; it provides a sense of belonging that supports learning in all areas. When we give language the emphasis it deserves, we provide students with the foundation necessary for lifelong academic achievement.