Schools are over hauling their approach for students to acquire English language proficiency. Emphasis is on conversations rather than just focusing on vocabulary and grammar. What makes vocabulary valuable and important is not the words themselves so much as the understandings they afford. The focus on oral language is of greatest importance for children for whom English is a second language. Early language competence from the preschool years accurately predicts children’s language and reading comprehension. Preschoolers who hear and learn more words are better readers.
