Many parents are surprised to learn that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help with reading and writing. After all, isn’t that a teacher’s job? Here’s why SLPs bring something unique to the table.
The Language-Literacy Connection
Reading and writing are, at their core, language skills. Reading is the process of turning written symbols into language. Writing is the process of turning language into written symbols. When a child struggles with the underlying language skills, reading and writing become difficult.
SLPs are experts in language — including the sounds, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures that form the foundation of literacy.
What SLPs Understand That Others May Not
- Which speech sound disorders put children at risk for reading difficulties
- How grammar and sentence structure relate to reading comprehension and written expression
- The role of phonological awareness — the ability to hear and manipulate the sounds in words — in learning to read
- How vocabulary knowledge impacts both reading comprehension and writing quality
Structured Literacy at Into Words
At Into Words Therapy, Maggie provides structured literacy intervention using principles from the Science of Reading. With advanced training from MGH Institute of Health Professions, she uses:
- Multisensory instruction — clients say, hear, see, and write each sound and letter
- Systematic phonics — progressing through a carefully sequenced scope and sequence
- Individualized goals — meeting your child exactly where they are
When to Consider an SLP for Reading
If your child is struggling with reading or writing and also has (or had) difficulties with speech sounds, language, or following directions, an SLP evaluation can help connect the dots.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.