THE ORAL READING OF LITERATURE DURING SCHOOL TIME IS DEFENDED. THE INCLUSION OF ORAL LITERATURE IS URGED AS A VITAL PART OF TEACHER PREPARATION AT ALL LEVELS. HELPING PUPILS LEARN TO DISCRIMINATE AND APPRECIATE ESTHETIC BEAUTY BY LISTENING MAKES THE ORAL READING OF LITERATURE WORTHY OF A PROMINENT PLACE IN THE SCHOOL PROGRAM. A CAREFULLY STRUCTURED PROGRAM OF ORAL PRESENTATION IN A BROAD, RICH ENVIRONMENT IS EDUCATIONALLY DEFENSIBLE. SOME GUIDELINES FOR PRODUCING AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO LISTENING ARE INCLUDED. THIS PAPER WAS PRESENTED AT THE INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE (SEATTLE, MAY 4-6, 1967). (MC)