Speech Pathology

Literacy and Phonological Awareness

The ability to read and write is essential for learning, opening opportunities for children to explore and engage with the world. For some, developing these skills is challenging. At iThrive Health, our Speech Pathologists support children in building strong literacy and phonological awareness, setting the foundation for successful learning.

Understanding Phonological Awareness

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognise and manipulate the sounds in spoken language. It is crucial for reading and writing. Children with strong phonological awareness can identify rhymes, break words into syllables, and blend sounds to form words. These skills are often developed through play-based activities like singing rhymes and word games. For some children, these concepts are harder to grasp, leading to challenges with reading and spelling. Early support can make a significant difference.

The connection between speech pathology and literacy

Speech Pathologists do more than support speech clarity; they also enhance language and literacy skills. Children struggling with phonological awareness often find it hard to sound out words and spell correctly. At iThrive Health, we address both speech and literacy, helping children become more confident readers and writers by improving their understanding of sounds and language.

Signs your child may need support

It’s not always clear when a child is struggling with literacy. Common signs include difficulty recognizing rhymes, breaking words into syllables, learning letter names, blending sounds, or avoiding reading. If you notice these signs, early intervention can prevent further challenges in school.

How we can help

At iThrive Health, we are committed to building strong literacy foundations. Our approach is evidence-based and tailored to each child, focusing on:

  • Phonological Awareness: Helping children understand and manipulate sounds.
  • Decoding Skills: Teaching children to sound out words for reading and spelling.
  • Reading Fluency: Supporting smoother and more confident reading.
  • Comprehension Skills: Enhancing understanding of written text.
  • Spelling and Writing: Improving clarity and accuracy in written work.

We also collaborate with families and educators to reinforce these skills at home and in the classroom. If you have concerns about your child’s literacy development, contact us at iThrive Health. Together, we can help your child build strong reading and writing skills for life.

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