Parents often ask why, we, as speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with their school-aged kids on reading and math. It is sometimes difficult to see what our role is in these subjects. We are not tutors, we are not teachers, we are language specialists. What this means is that as SLPs, we need to figure out whether your child is having difficulty with actual math and reading concepts, or if the breakdown in comprehending the language used in those particular subjects.
For example, in math, the most difficult tasks are word problems. Most children will find this to be the most difficult, but it is not the addition/subtraction/ multiplication/division that causes the breakdown; rather it’s the way the questions are worded. These students are having problems identifying what the question is being asked, distinguishing the most important from the irrelevant information among other language tasks. Without these skills, students will not be able to answer or interpret the problem properly.
As another example, with reading tasks, so often we see kids that can read well but when it comes to comprehending the story and answering questions about the story they become lost. Once again this is a breakdown in the comprehension of the story, rather than in the reading itself.
As speech-language pathologists, it is our responsibility to target the comprehension of language to ensure academic success. We will provide students with strategies to search for key information, as well as aid teachers in modifying questions and instructions in a way that will be understood by the students. With these strategies in place, your child’s academic career will be fruitful and successful!
Melissa Oziel M.Sc-SLP, Reg. CASLPO Speech-Language Pathologist The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada