In a classroom filled with the sounds of singing, storytelling and lively conversation, young children at Rice University’s Oral and Written Language (OWL) Lab are doing more than just learning — they are discovering the power of their own voices.
The OWL Lab, which grew out of the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies’ School Literacy & Culture (SLC) program, was created to support Houston’s growing population of dual language learners. With estimates of at least 145 languages spoken in homes across Houston and more than 90 nations represented, the program provides a language-rich learning environment where children can experiment with words, take risks and gain confidence as they develop skills in both their first and second languages.
“At Rice, we believe that investing in education — especially early literacy and language development — is essential to building thriving, resilient urban communities,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “Through the OWL Lab, we are helping young learners discover the power of their own voices while embracing the rich cultural and linguistic diversity that makes Houston so extraordinary. Programs like the OWL Lab reflect Rice’s commitment to supporting families, strengthening communities and expanding access to the transformative power of education.”
“We believe that every child’s voice deserves to be heard,” said Jordan Khadam-Hir, director of SLC. “By encouraging storytelling, dramatic play and meaningful conversations, we help children build a strong foundation in oral language, which establishes the groundwork for later success in reading and writing.”
Inside the lab, children engage in a variety of activities designed to foster language development — including retelling familiar stories, acting out real-life scenarios and participating in interactive discussions — as teachers attempt to enhance comprehension and create a welcoming space for language learning.
A key component of the OWL Lab’s success is family engagement, as parents are regularly invited into the classroom to celebrate their children’s progress and share their own cultural traditions and stories.
“When families come to visit the lab, we want them to feel at home in a space where they see their own culture, language and traditions highlighted and celebrated,” said Debra Paz, associate director of early literacy and bilingual programs in SLC. “The OWL Lab’s philosophy of family engagement focuses on honoring families’ diverse life experiences in a respectful, collaborative environment where families see themselves as partners in their children’s education. This helps families feel proud and valued in the school community and creates connections between the classroom and home.”
Inspired by the success of the flagship OWL Lab at Gabriela Mistral Center for Early Childhood, nine replication labs have been created throughout Houston, serving diverse communities and expanding opportunities for oral language development. With demand continuing to grow, additional labs are set to open in the coming years.
“We’re thrilled with recent opportunities to add additional labs across the Houston area and beyond,” Khadam-Hir said. “We hope that the momentum established continues to build so that we can serve more educators, students and families with our innovative Oral and Written Language Lab model.”
For more information on the OWL Lab, visit continue.rice.edu/owl-lab.
Original article written by Andrew Bell and published in Rice News.