Committed to the power of oral language, Literacy Out Loud recognizes the important role talk plays in developing the reading and writing abilities that students need in school and beyond. The book offers strategies where oral language takes centre stage and is fostered through engaging activities in K-8 classrooms. Literacy activities and events focus on all aspects of listening and speaking and emphasize enjoyable, purposeful, social learning. The book argues that listening and speaking, or talk, is at the heart of a vibrant classroom. It shows teachers how to nurture dynamic classroom talk that is essential in its own right, and makes all learning possible. How can teachers best create a lively social network of literacy learning where talk is the foundation? How can classroom talk be encouraged and guided so that students become fluent and effective oral communicators? This book proposes everyday activities that will answer these questions.