Dr. Pamela Snow: Strengthening Literacy Through Oral Language: Supporting All Learners ,Including the Most Vulnerable

In this presentation, Professor Pamela Snow examines oral language as the cornerstone of
literacy development, and a critical protective factor for students with language vulnerabilities.

Educators will explore how vocabulary, syntax, and discourse skills shape reading
comprehension, writing, and overall academic success. Professor Snow will highlight the
specific needs of learners with developmental language disorder (DLD), trauma histories, or
social disadvantage, and demonstrate how language-rich, explicit instruction can accelerate
literacy growth while fostering engagement and resilience.

Participants will walk away with:
-Evidence-informed strategies to strengthen oral language across grade levels
-Tools to better support students with language vulnerabilities
-A deeper understanding of oral language as a protective factor in literacy development.