How Teachers Can Identify Students Who May Benefit from Speech Services

Jan 26

As teachers, we play a pivotal role in supporting the development of all students, including those who may have speech and language difficulties. Early identification of speech issues is essential to ensure that students receive the necessary support and services they need to succeed academically and socially. Here are some red flags that may indicate a student could benefit from speech therapy:

1. Difficulty with Articulation

One of the most noticeable signs of a speech issue is trouble pronouncing words clearly. If a student consistently mispronounces words or sounds in a way that makes it hard for others to understand, it may be a sign that they need speech services. Examples include:

Substituting sounds (e.g., saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit").
Omitting sounds (e.g., saying "ca" instead of "cat").
Distorting sounds (e.g., saying "shish" instead of "fish").

2. Challenges with Expressive Language

Expressive language refers to a child’s ability to communicate thoughts and ideas. If a student struggles to put sentences together or has trouble finding the right words, they may need additional support. Look out for:

Difficulty forming complete sentences.
Using very short or incomplete sentences.
A limited vocabulary for their age group.
Trouble expressing ideas clearly, leading to misunderstandings.

3. Difficulty Understanding Directions

A student who has trouble following verbal instructions or understanding questions might be struggling with receptive language, which is the ability to understand spoken language. This can manifest as:

Frequently asking for directions to be repeated.
Not following multi-step instructions or tasks.
Difficulty answering questions correctly or on topic.

4. Struggling with Social Communication

Children with speech and language difficulties often have challenges interacting with peers. This can affect their social development and peer relationships. Look for signs such as:

Difficulty taking turns in conversation.
Struggling to maintain eye contact or engage in back-and-forth communication.
Difficulty understanding or using social cues, such as tone of voice or body language.

5. Poor Phonological Awareness

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words. If a student has trouble with this skill, they may struggle with reading and spelling later on. Red flags include:

Difficulty rhyming or recognizing rhyming patterns.
Trouble breaking words into syllables or identifying sounds in words (e.g., not recognizing the first sound in "dog" is /d/).
Struggling with spelling and letter-sound correspondence.

6. Delays in Language Milestones

Students who are significantly behind in language development compared to their peers may benefit from speech therapy. While every child develops at their own pace, significant delays in areas like vocabulary, sentence structure, and communication may be a sign that extra support is needed.

7. Frustration or Withdrawal

When children struggle with speech or language, they may become frustrated or withdraw from class activities. If a student is hesitant to speak in front of others, seems anxious during group activities, or avoids participating in classroom discussions, it may be a sign they are struggling with communication skills.

What to Do If You Notice Red Flags

If you identify any of these red flags, it’s important to take action. Here’s what you can do:

Document Concerns: Keep track of the student’s behaviors and difficulties. Detailed observations will help when discussing concerns with parents or specialists.
Communicate with Parents: Have a conversation with the student’s parents or guardians to share your observations and suggest further evaluation by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
Collaborate with SLPs: If your school has an SLP, work with them to assess whether speech therapy is necessary and how you can support the child in the classroom.
Monitor Progress: Continue to monitor the student’s progress over time, as speech and language difficulties may become more apparent as academic demands increase.

Conclusion

Identifying speech and language difficulties early can make a significant difference in a student’s academic journey. By paying attention to these red flags, teachers can help ensure that students who need support receive it in a timely manner, setting them up for success both in the classroom and beyond. If you’re concerned about a student’s speech or language development, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Speech-Language Pathologist for guidance.

Skye Brown