Hi Cody!
I bet that those oak leaves are not only low on moisture, but also low on nitrogen as well. Definitely chop them up as has already been mentioned and get them soaking wet. But then add in some type of high nitrogen composting agent as well. I typically use grass clippings, but just about any green material (minus root and seed) or
coffee grounds will work. Actually, used coffee grounds are about the perfect compost agent, holding just the right amount of water, air,
carbon and nitrogen.
Last tip: I said get the leaves soaking wet, but you don’t really want them to stay soaking wet. Rather, you want just enough moisture to support decomposition and not so much that oxygen gets displaced.
I have also tried piling up leaves and they stay leaves for a long time unless I do something to speed their decomposition.
Good Luck and please keep us updated!
Eric