The Literacy Picture in Stage 1: A Speech Pathology Perspective.

Year 1 and Year 2 (Stage 1) are a crucial period in a child’s literacy journey. During these years, children move from “learning to read” toward “reading to learn.” Literacy expectations increase significantly, and students are expected to read more independently, write in greater detail, and apply their skills across all subjects.
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The Literacy Picture in Kindergarten: A Speech Pathology Perspective.

Kindergarten (Early Stage 1) is a critical year for literacy development. While learning letters and sounds may look simple on the surface, the skills taught in this year form the foundation for reading, spelling, writing, comprehension, and learning across all school subjects.
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My Child’s Teacher Suggested Speech Therapy: What Do I Do Next?.

Hearing that your child may benefit from speech therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes from a teacher. But this feedback is actually a positive step. Teachers spend a lot of time observing how children communicate and participate in the classroom, so when they raise a concern, it’s because they want to support your child’s success.
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Fun Games That Build Speech and Language Skills (Without Feeling Like Work!).

For many children, speech therapy isn’t just about learning new sounds or building stronger language skills, it’s about having fun while doing it! The great news is that everyday play can support your child’s communication development in a natural, engaging way. When kids feel like they’re just having a good time, they’re more relaxed, confident, and ready to learn.
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What Happens in a Speech Pathology Assessment? A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents.

If you’re planning a speech pathology assessment for your child, you may be wondering what actually happens during the session. Many parents feel unsure about what to expect, but understanding the process can make the experience far more comfortable and empowering.
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The Role of Parents in Speech Therapy (And How You Can Make the Biggest Difference).

When a child begins speech therapy, many parents wonder what their role should be. Do I just wait in the waiting room? Should I be practising things at home? How much involvement is too much or too little? The truth is, parents play one of the most powerful roles in a child’s communication progress. When therapy is combined with consistent practice, encouragement, and support at home, children make faster, more meaningful, and longer-lasting gains.
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Screen Time and Speech Development: What the Research Says.

Screens are everywhere, from TVs and tablets to smartphones and smart toys. For many families, they’re part of daily life. But as screen time increases, so do concerns about how it might affect children’s speech and language development. So what does the research actually say?
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How Speech Pathologists Work with Teachers and Schools.

When it comes to helping children thrive at school, communication is key, both in the classroom and between professionals. That’s why collaboration between speech pathologists and teachers plays such a vital role in supporting students’ learning, language, and social development.
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How to Read Books with Your Child to Build Language Skills.

Reading with your child is one of the most powerful ways to support their language development. The best part? It doesn’t have to feel like a chore! With a few simple strategies, storytime can become a rich, language-building experience that helps your child strengthen their vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills.
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Shining a Light on Dyslexia: Awareness, Understanding, and Action.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month which means it’s a great time to shine light on what dyslexia really is, how to recognise it, and how speech pathologists can support children struggling with reading and writing. Below is a comprehensive guide to dyslexia, tailored for parents, educators, and caregivers.
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How To Help Your Child With Dyslexia or a Literacy Delay Get Into Reading.

For many children, reading opens the door to imagination, learning, and confidence. But for children with dyslexia or a literacy delay, that door can sometimes feel a little harder to open.
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How Speech Pathologists Help Children with Reading and Comprehension Difficulties.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about how speech pathologists can support children who struggle with reading and comprehension.
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Simple Ways to Boost Your Child’s Vocabulary at Home.

In speech therapy sessions, I often talk with families about how important vocabulary is for a child’s communication and learning. Vocabulary is more than just “knowing words”. It’s the foundation that helps children express themselves, understand others, and feel confident in everyday interactions.
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How Speech Pathologists Help with Spelling and Written Expression Difficulties.

When children struggle with spelling or written expression, it can impact every part of their schooling life. Writing tasks become stressful, confidence drops, and parents are often unsure how they can best help. The good news is that Speech Pathologists like myself are highly trained in supporting literacy skills, including spelling and written expression.
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What is Receptive Language?.

When your child is learning to communicate, you might hear terms like expressive language or receptive language used by educators, health professionals, or speech pathologists. While both play an essential role in your child’s ability to communication, this post focuses solely on receptive language; what it is, how it develops, and how a Speech Pathologist can support your child’s receptive language skills.
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What is Expressive Language?.

When your child is learning to communicate, you might hear terms like expressive language or receptive language used by educators, health professionals, or speech pathologists. While both play an essential role in your child’s ability to communication, this post focuses solely on expressive language; what it is, how it develops, and how a Speech Pathologist can support your child’s expressive language skills.
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Why a Speech Pathologist Is the Go-To Professional for Literacy Support.

Many parents may not be aware, but a Speech Pathologist is the best option if your child is struggling with their literacy skills and needs additional support.
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