Reading comprehension requires a blend of technical skills (how to sound out words correctly) and language skills (understanding the ideas). Often children and teenagers have difficulties in both skills therefore they can become very reluctant to read.
Speech pathologists are trained in the neuroscience of learning, and the connection between speech and literacy, so we are ideally skilled to identify and treat the elements causing their reading difficulty. We use evidence based practise, and our skill as therapists to help children and teenagers overcome resistance and build resilience and confidence.
How we help with reading:
Assessment: We start with an assessment to identify whether the issue is in the technical side of reading, the language processing or both.
Therapy: Most of our students are reluctant readers so our priority is to find what personally motivates them so we can tailor therapy to their interests. Depending on the assessment results, and the student’s and parents’ goals, the personalised program may include elements from our language program as well as practical teachings in improving the technical side of reading. Therefore, programs may include;
1. Vocabulary – Science has proven that working on developing a student’s vocabulary is the most effective way to improve reading comprehension plus it has the added benefit of increasing their oral language as well.
2. Grammar – The ability to understand the meaning in what we read, despite how complex the sentence structure may be
3. Comprehension – Understanding of the larger concepts as well as smaller supporting themes in any written piece
4. Memory and recall – Reading puts an enormous demand on working memory therefore our reading intervention may include explicit training in memory and recall techniques
Students are encouraged to bring their classroom materials, such as assignments or reading texts, to therapy sessions to be used as ‘live’ examples. As their school work is relevant to them personally, this is more motivating for them than generic activities, and also ensures the techniques and skills learnt in therapy can be directly applied to their school work.