About the Book:A merger of contemporary language arts and speech communication theory and practice, Teaching Oral Communication in Grades K-8 was inspired by the authors’ involvement in a project to develop a language arts curriculum for K-8 high ability learners. This book attempts to bridge the interdisciplinary gap between contemporary oral communication theory and its actual application in the K-8 classroom. The authors present a coherent, useful explanation of key concepts in the development of oral communication competency combined with practical strategies of implementing these concepts, both within individual classroom and as part of a larger curriculum development effort.Toward this end, Part I of the book presents a view of oral communication as a process and suggests that it is appropriate to place a stronger emphasis on oral language competency within the integrated language arts classroom. Chapter 2 addresses the creation of a communication-friendly climate in the classroom and discusses the impact of climate upon communication competency, self-concept, and communication apprehension. Chapter 3 presents a theoretical and developmentally-appropriate scope and sequence for five oral communication purposes and contexts. Chapter 4 is devoted exclusively to the concept of active listening and reviews four primary functions of listening and how they correlate with four primary speaking functions.Part II of this book is more practical in its discussion of teaching and assessment strategies. Chapter 5 tackles the practical issues facing teachers who attempt to include a greater emphasis on oral communication in their classroom. Chapter 6 suggests practical ways in which teachers can make the most of basal and traditional language arts texts in teaching oral communication as process. Chapters 7- 9 include exercises for three grade levels K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 for use with integrated language arts programs and for those programs which integrate the language arts around a social studies content focus. Chapter 10 discusses extracurricular activities and how they promote the use of positive communication skills.