Understanding Reading and Language Comprehension
Understanding key reading skills.
The Essentials of Reading Development
In 2001, Dr. Hollis Scarborough introduced the Reading Rope, a visual representation of the essential elements of reading development. The rope consists of two main components: Language Comprehension and Word Recognition. Each component is made up of multiple strands. If any strand is weak, it can lead to challenges in reading and comprehension, including dyslexia and language disorders.
Understanding these key aspects of reading development can allow you to better recognize your child’s educational needs and support their academic growth. It can also help you determine when it may be time to seek out a dyslexia or DLD assessment from a certified professional, ensuring your child receives the support they need.
If you have any questions about Educational Inspiration’s approach to evaluations, please get in touch.
Language Comprehension
Language comprehension is one of the two main components essential for effective reading. This includes critical elements such as vocabulary, spoken grammar, inference, and abstract language. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely qualified to assess and diagnose challenges in the comprehension of language due to their extensive training in these areas.
At Educational Inspiration, we take this a step further. Our dual certification in both speech-language pathology and reading specialties allows us to provide evaluations that deeply explore reading and language comprehension challenges. We not only identify weaknesses, but also help families understand how these difficulties impact academics and provide tailored recommendations to address them.
Word Recognition
The second key component required for reading success is word recognition. This involves understanding how words are made up of smaller parts, such as syllables and sounds, known as phonological awareness. This foundational skill is often taught in early elementary school. Word recognition also includes “decoding,” in which one figures out what the words they read are saying based on an understanding of the rules and patterns we use to build words.
While speech-language pathologists receive significant training in phonological awareness, and reading specialists often focus on decoding, Educational Inspiration brings the best of both worlds in our assessment process. With expertise in both areas, we offer a comprehensive approach to evaluating and supporting your child’s word recognition skills.
What About Spelling?
Just as the Reading Rope illustrates the complexities of reading, the Writing Rope (Sedita, 2022) highlights the skills required for good writing skills, including spelling. The practice of writing combines multiple components, including spelling, sentence construction, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Each piece plays an essential role in creating clear, meaningful, and coherent written communication.
At Educational Inspiration, we assess the areas that contribute to the overall writing process. With expertise in both spoken and written language, we evaluate spelling at both the single-word level and within connected text. Often, we take this a step further by analyzing narrative writing samples, word choice, and written grammar elements. This comprehensive approach helps us identify the underlying causes of spelling and writing difficulties while providing actionable insights to support your child’s growth.
Why choose Educational Inspiration?
Informed and Insightful Dyslexia and DLD Assessments
At Educational Inspiration, we are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive evaluations for language, reading, and spelling disorders, including dyslexia and Developmental Language Disorder. Our therapist is dual-certified as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and reading specialist, bringing an unparalleled depth of expertise to every assessment.
This dual certification ensures your child will receive a thorough evaluation that examines all the critical components of reading. Unlike surface-level tests, our thorough assessments take a deep dive into the skills necessary for success in language, reading, and spelling. We will provide you with a complete understanding of your child’s language and literacy strengths and challenges, along with actionable recommendations to support their growth.
On your path toward gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s reading and language needs, Educational Inspiration is the trusted choice to provide the insights and support you need. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please get in touch.