Noting that speech is not simply basic communication, this digest discusses ways in which teachers can help children develop oral language proficiency. The digest holds that speech involves thinking, knowledge, and skills, and that it requires practice and training. After setting out three criteria for oral language competence--fluency, clarity, and sensitivity--the digest suggests that oral language development has largely been ignored in the classroom. It points out that oral language provides a foundation for the development of other language skills and that the literacy process actually begins with speaking. The digest sees the teacher's role as that of a facilitator of the learning process and offers suggestions for instructional strategies. (Contains 10 references.) (NKA)