School-age communication: literacy connections and social language
At ages 5-6, speech and language support academic learning. Children should have clear, easy-to-understand speech and sophisticated language for learning to read and write. Social language becomes important for making friends and navigating school. Any remaining speech or language difficulties may impact academic success and should be addressed.
Consider a speech-language evaluation if your child shows any of these signs during ages 5 to 6 years:
Try these evidence-based activities to encourage speech and language skills during ages 5 to 6 years.
Read together and discuss: 'Why did the character do that? What might happen next? Has something like this happened to you?' This builds comprehension and critical thinking.
Share jokes and riddles. Understanding humor requires advanced language skills. Encourage your child to explain why jokes are funny.
When issues arise, talk through solutions: 'What could you do next time? How might your friend feel?' This builds social-pragmatic language.
Play games like 'I'm thinking of a word that means the opposite of big' or 'Give me three words that rhyme with cat.' This builds vocabulary and phonological awareness.
Possibly. Speech and language skills are foundational for reading. Children with past or current speech-language delays are at higher risk for reading difficulties. Phonological awareness problems (difficulty with sounds in words) often underlie both. A speech-language evaluation can assess the connection and provide targeted support.
The 'r' sound is typically mastered by age 6-7, so a 6-year-old still working on 'r' is within normal limits. However, if they're approaching 7 and not making progress, or if the error is very noticeable and bothers them, therapy can help. Early school-age is an ideal time for 'r' therapy.
Social communication (pragmatic language) is part of speech-language pathology. Children can have clear speech and good vocabulary but struggle with conversation skills, understanding social cues, or interpreting nonverbal communication. This is called a social communication disorder, and SLPs can help.
If your child still has speech or language concerns affecting their communication, learning, or social relationships, continued therapy is beneficial. School-age is actually an excellent time for therapy as children are cognitively ready to learn strategies. Ask your SLP about current progress and expected outcomes.
Our licensed speech-language pathologists provide personalized evaluations and therapy. Get answers within days, not months.
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