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In this episode we had the great pleasure of welcoming Liz Willis, MS, CCC-SLP/L-BCBA and Stephanie Willis, MS, Literacy Specialist onto our show to discuss all things language and literacy. Throughout this episode they remind us that foundations of language play a critical role in literacy development, and while we as SLPs can play a unique and critical role in helping clients and students in improving literacy skills. Liz and Stephanie are sisters with a shared passion for literacy. You can learn more about them and their professional backgrounds here.

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According to a 2001 position statement by ASHA, “the reciprocal and multiple relationships between spoken and written language make it appropriate for SLPs to play an integral role in helping children become literate.” Based on this statement and other similar recommendations from ASHA, it appears as though knowledge in the area of literacy is just one more thing to add to the very long list of what we are responsible for as SLPs. But have no fear, we are here to provide you with the information you need to know! In this episode we will provide a beginner’s guide to literacy development for SLPs. We will start by discussing the connection between language and literacy (spoiler alert: it’s very intertwined, especially in the early years), and how the presence of speech and language disorders can impact literacy development. We will also share literacy milestones from birth through preschool age, so that you know what to look for in the assessment or therapy process. Lastly, we will describe the speech therapist’s role in the area of literacy, as well as provide some fun and engaging ways to incorporate literacy-based activities into therapy with your younger population. Our overall goal is to equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to feel confident and excited about supporting your EI and preschool age clients in this area!

This episode is offered for 1 ASHA CMH (equal to .1 ASHA CEU). If you have questions about CEUs or how this works, please see our How It Works or ASHA Professional Development pages.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the connection between language and early literacy development, and how the presence of speech and language disorders may impact literacy development

2. Identify early literacy milestones from infancy through preschool

3. Describe the speech therapist's role in the area of literacy and how to incorporate literacy-based activities into therapy in early intervention through preschool

References:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2001). Roles and Responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathologists With Respect to Reading and Writing in Children and Adolescents [Technical Report]. Available from https://www.asha.org/policy/ps2001-00104/

Roth, F.P., Paul, D.R., & Pierotti, A.M. (2006). Emergent Literacy: Early Reading and Writing Development. Let’s Talk: For People with Special Communication Needs, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved from: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/emergent-literacy/

Sices, L., Taylor, H.G., Freebairn, L., Hansen, A., Lewis, B. Relationship between speech-sound disorders and early literacy skills in preschool-age children: impact of comorbid language impairment. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2007; 28(6):438-447. doi:10.1097/DBP.0b013e31811ff8ca

Spracher M. M. (2000). Learning about literacy: Speech-language pathologists play key role in reading, writing. The ASHA Leader, 5(1), 1–19.

Online Resources:

The Language and Literacy Collective Podcast

@languageandliteracycollective

Instagram accounts that review children's books:

@theliteracyparty

@hereweeread

@toddlers.who.read

@sunnyseedco

MILESTONES OF EARLY LITERACY DEVELOPMENT

Getting Your Child Ready for Reading and Writing

Disclosures:

Financial: Liz is an employee of a public education entity and owner of Communication and Behavior Solutions. Stephanie is an employee of a public school system. Stephanie also owns a teachers pay teachers store (@theliteracyparty). Kate Grandbois is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.

Non-financial: Stephanie and Liz host the podcast “The Language and Literacy Collective.” Liz is a Member of ASHA and the BACB. Kate and Amy are both members of ASHA, SIG 12, and both serve on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Kate is also a member of the BACB Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Review of how the presence of speech and language disorders may impact literacy development

15 minutes: Review and discussion of early literacy milestones from infancy through preschool

10 minutes: Review and discussion of the speech therapist's role in the area of literacy and how to incorporate literacy-based activities into therapy in early intervention through preschool

5 minutes: Closing Remarks

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

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