Reading Readiness

Unlike speech and language, which is typically learned without direct teaching, reading is a skill that must be taught. Learning to read has many prerequisite skills that may be impacted by skills related to speech and language. A speech-language pathologist, also known as a speech therapist, may be an excellent resource for families who are concerned with their child’s reading readiness.

A speech therapist is trained to support development in the following areas of reading readiness:

• Comprehension

• Vocabulary

• Phonemic awareness

• Fluency

• Phonics

What are the risk factors for reading difficulties?

• Children who have or had a language delay are more likely to experience reading difficulties

• Limited exposure to oral and written language before school

• A significant history of reading difficulties in family members

• A disability that affects oral language acquisition, such as childhood apraxia of speech or a phonological disorder

How can Expressable help your child with reading?

If you have concerns about your child’s reading readiness, online intervention with Expressable can be a convenient and affordable option for skill-building. Whether your child is in preschool or kindergarten, or has shown signs of possible reading difficulties, an Expressable speech therapist can supplement and support early reading skills.