Speech and language development takes place naturally in young children. A child will begin following language almost as soon as they are born and they will begin mimicking speech by the time they are only 6-months old. However, reading is a skill that a parent or caregiver needs to teach a child actively. A child cannot pick up reading skills simply by observing a parent or adult.

Learning to read is typically influenced by several other skills related to speech and language development. Some children take more time than others to acquire reading skills. However, it is typical for most children to learn to read by the age of 6 or 7 years.

If your child is struggling with reading readiness, you can consult an experienced speech-language pathologist (SLP). An SLP has the training and experience to help your child in the following areas –

• Comprehension of language
• Vocabulary
• Fluency
• Phonics
• Phonemic awareness

Phonemic awareness refers to a person’s ability to identify the individual sounds in spoken words and manipulate them.

A child’s phonological awareness skills are a reliable predictor of their reading readiness. Therefore, SLPs work towards improving a child’s speech and language skills if they are struggling with reading.

What are Some of the Risk Factors that Increase Reading Difficulties?

• Children who have experienced a speech and language delay may experience reading difficulties
• A family history of learning disabilities and reading difficulties
• A child who has had limited exposure to oral and written language in their early developmental years
• Any disability that affects the oral language acquisition of a child, such as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), aphasia, or a phonological disorder can also precede reading difficulties

How can Stamurai Help with Reading Readiness?

If your child is of the age to read by themselves, but they are struggling with learning to read, you can opt for online speech therapy for reading readiness.

Our experienced speech-language pathologists are here to help!

They will first assess your child for the presence of one or more speech and language disorders.

Stamurai provides a complete online platform for e-therapy. Parents can directly speak with the SLP to learn new techniques that can boost their child’s reading abilities. Our SLPs will provide you with the necessary material and guidance that can supplement your child’s early reading skills.