From talk to textbooks: How early language skills shape academic achievement

One of the most reliable predictors of a child’s long-term academic success and social outcomes is strong communication skills developed from an early age. Spoken language is the foundation upon which reading, writing, and critical thinking are built.

Being able to articulate your thoughts and convey them to another person efficiently is an extremely crucial skill to grow in the world. When children arrive at school with strong communication skills, they are more likely to thrive across the K–12 years.

The National Early Literacy Panel’s (U.S.) meta-analysis found that narrative ability, vocabulary, and phonological awareness consistently predict later reading outcomes. When children have strong language skills, they are better equipped to decode the meaning behind what is being said, co