Unlike speech and language, which is typically learned without direct teaching, reading is a skill that must be taught directly. Learning to read has many prerequisite skills which may be impacted by skills related to speech and language. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) may be an excellent resource for families who are concerned with their child’s reading readiness. An SLP is trained to support development in the following areas of reading readiness: -Comprehension: The understanding and interpretation of what is read. To be able to accurately understand written material, children need to be able to (1) decode what they read; (2) make connections between what they read and what they already know; and (3) think deeply about what they have read. -Vocabulary is key to reading comprehension. Readers cannot understand what they are reading without knowing what most of the words mean. -Phonemic Awareness- The ability to hear and distinguish different sounds in words, has been directly correlated with reading success and achievement. -Fluency is the ability to read accurately, smoothly and with expression. Fluent readers recognize words automatically, without struggling over decoding issues. Fluency is important because it bridges between word recognition and comprehension. It allows students time to focus on what the text is saying. -Phonics instruction helps the reader to map sounds onto spellings. This ability enables readers to decode words. 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 We Achieve help you? If you have concerns regarding your child’s reading readiness, online intervention with We Achieve can offer a convenient and affordable platform for skill-building. Whether your child is in preschool, kindergarten, or has shown risk indicators for reading difficulties, a speech-language pathologist can enrich and support early reading skills. Contact We Achieve for a free, no-risk consultation to see how we can help.