Speech & Language Support for School Aged Children
Speech & Language Support for School-Aged Children
The Science of Reading and Language Development
Learning to read for understanding requires sounding out and recognizing words—decoding—but it also requires making meaning of the words and sentences we hear—language comprehension. Unlike speaking that develops through exposure, reading must be taught directly. The “science of reading” offers evidence based research that tells us what matters to teach and how to teach it. As speech language pathologists, we are highly trained to support the five pillars of reading including
Phonemic Awareness
Phonics
Fluency
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Because children with oral language and speech sound difficulties are more likely to experience challenges with reading, incorporating literacy skills into speech and language therapy can provide important support for long-term academic success.
Building Executive Function Skills for School Success
As academic demands increase, many students begin to struggle—not just with reading and writing, but also with the underlying skills needed to manage their learning.
Using our S.O.A.R. framework, we take a systematic, integrated approach that connects language, literacy, and executive functioning. By helping students think about, talk through, and reflect on their learning, we empower them to apply these skills to both real-world and academic tasks with greater confidence, independence, and success. We support students in developing skills such as:
Strengthening social communication and participation with peers
Learning to sound out words, read with confidence, and express ideas in writing
Improving understanding of what they read and completing schoolwork independently
Getting started on homework and following through without constant reminders
Following multi-step directions at home and in the classroom
Keeping track of materials, assignments, and daily routines
Building focus, attention, and task completion
Gaining independence with everyday routines like mornings, transitions, and responsibilities
If your child is struggling, we’re here to help. Check out our evaluation process or schedule a consultation to talk through your concerns.