Because oral language is so basic, it is the first step to verbal thinking, communicating socially, and understanding literature. It is through speech that children learn how to organize their thinking and focus their ideas. Nurturing children's language is fundamental to molding them into natural and competent readers and writers. This topical bibliography and commentary summarizes and gives an overview of current thinking on techniques for teaching oral language. The bibliography/commentary reviews research on oral language in the classroom, oral language development across the curriculum, language and literacy, composing through conversation, and language development by Dr. Walter Loban. Lists 2 Internet resources and 17 references. (NKA)