Literacy Support
Is your child finding reading or writing challenging? We support the underlying skills that build strong literacy
Literacy Support
Is your child finding reading or writing challenging? We support the underlying skills that build strong literacy
Understanding Your Child’s Literacy
Literacy refers to your child’s ability to read and write. These skills develop over time and are built on a strong foundation of language and sound awareness.
Some children may find reading or writing more challenging. This can look like difficulty recognising sounds in words, learning letter–sound relationships, reading fluently, or expressing ideas clearly in writing. While some children just need a little more time, others may benefit from targeted intervention to build these foundational skills. Children with speech or language disorders are at higher risk for literacy difficulties. Early identification and support can prevent small gaps from becoming large ones.
Speech therapists support literacy by focusing on the underlying language and sound awareness skills that reading and writing depend on, helping children build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Literacy Support
Pre-readers (ages 3–5)
- Difficulty rhyming or identifying words that start with the same sound
- Trouble learning letter names or letter sounds
- Reduced interest in books or being read to
- Difficulty retelling a simple story in order
- Speech sound difficulties alongside emerging literacy skills
Early readers (ages 5–7)
- Slow to learn to read compared to peers
- Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
- Guessing words based on first letter or picture
- Spelling that doesn’t reflect sound patterns
- Avoiding reading or getting frustrated easily
Established readers (ages 7+)
- Reading accurately but slowly or with effort
- Difficulty understanding what they’ve read (reading comprehension)
- Difficulty expressing ideas clearly in writing
- Spelling difficulties that persist despite practice
- Difficulty with longer texts, summarizing, or making inferences
- Concerns raised by teachers at school
What We Can Help With
Phonological awareness
Recognizing and manipulating the spoken parts of sentences and words, such as syllables, rhymes, and individual sounds (phonemes)
Reading unfamiliar words (Decoding)
Strategies to sound out and read new words
Reading fluency
Building speed and accuracy in reading
Reading comprehension
Understanding and making sense of what they read
Spelling
Connecting sounds to letters and spelling patterns
Written expression
Writing sentences and organising ideas clearly
Our Approach to Literacy Support
1
Comprehensive assessment
We evaluate phonological awareness, reading, spelling, and written language alongside oral language skills to understand the full picture
2
Individualised goals
Based on the assessment, we set clear, meaningful goals that target the specific reading, spelling, or writing skills your child needs
3
Targeted intervention
We use structured, step-by-step approaches to teach reading, spelling, and writing skills, while also targeting the spoken language foundations that underpin literacy
4
School coordination
We work with your child’s teachers to align therapy goals with classroom expectations
5
Parent strategies
We provide guidance on how to support literacy at home in practical, sustainable ways
6
Progress monitoring
We keep you involved every step of the way, with ongoing updates and regular discussions so you always know how your child is progressing
Literacy Support FAQs
How is this different from a tutor?
A tutor often focuses on supporting schoolwork and practising what is taught in class. A speech therapist looks at the underlying language and sound-based skills that reading and writing depend on. If these foundational skills are not yet in place, children may continue to find literacy challenging despite practice. Speech therapy focuses on building these core skills to support more lasting progress.
Can Speech Therapists diagnose dyslexia?
Speech therapists do not provide a formal diagnosis of dyslexia, as this typically requires a psycho-educational assessment. However, we can assess and support the phonological processing and language difficulties that are core features of dyslexia. We can also guide you on whether a formal assessment may be helpful and support you through that process.
At what age should literacy concerns be addressed?
Early literacy skills, such as sound awareness, can be supported from around 3 to 4 years old, even before formal reading begins. For children already in school, it is often helpful to seek support sooner rather than later, as literacy gaps can widen over time. If you’re unsure, an assessment can help clarify your child’s strengths and whether support would be beneficial.
Concerned About Your Child’s Reading or Writing?
Our speech therapists can assess the language skills underlying your child’s literacy and create a targeted plan. Book a free discovery call to get started.
Our Specialists in This Area
Let's connect!
We'd love to have a free 15-minute chat with you to discuss any queries you may have. Think of it as a friendly strategy session to help you explore your child's communication development.