The article that I read discussed research that supports the importance of oral language in its relation to reading (sometimes when I read these articles I am like "duh" ask any person who helps teach children to read and they could tell you this).
The article gave suggestions for teachers including the following: promote intentional conversations, create opportunities and time for content based discussions and opportunities for reflection. The reflection portion is something that I am trying to focus on in my classroom this year. I believe that self-reflection is important for students, including, five year olds. It gives them the opportunity to orally discuss what they have accomplished in a center and shows me that they are making the connection between what I have taught them and the activities in their centers, while building oral conversation skills. This is something I am tweaking as the year goes on!