Literacy

A woman and a young boy sitting at a table, working on a tablet, with educational posters and an abacus in the background.
Speech pathologist consulting a young male client in a clinic, using a whiteboard for guidance, with literacy resources and an abacus in the background.
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Literacy by simple definition includes the ability to read, write and spell. 

There are six key components for evidence-based reading instruction, including:

  • sound (phonemic) awareness

  • phonics (letter-sound correspondence)

  • reading fluency

  • vocabulary

  • oral language

  • language comprehension

Each of these components falls within a speech pathologist’s training and expertise, making us best placed to provide evidence-based instruction and support in this area.

Speech pathologists can play a significant role in literacy development, from assessment to therapy. Some examples include how we promote oral language skills, identify at-risk readers early, and provide therapy for sound awareness, word level reading and spelling.

When to seek help

You may need to seek help for literacy if your child is/has:

  • falling behind in his/her reading or is finding it a struggle

  • relying on memorising words but can’t figure out new words and is guessing

  • conversation that sounds immature compared to peers

  • trouble pronouncing certain speech sounds

  • difficulties with sound (phonemic) awareness

  • difficulties with letter-sound correspondence

  • struggles with ‘sight’ words and spelling rules

  • difficulties with attention prior to starting school

  • social skill difficulties

  • trouble understanding what he/she has read