How Speech Therapy Supports Children with Reading Difficulties
By Ema Bartolo ·
Reading is fundamentally connected to language development. To become a proficient reader, children need several foundational skills: phonological awareness (understanding how sounds work within words), a robust spoken vocabulary, grammatical knowledge, and narrative comprehension abilities. When these language foundations are weak, reading struggles often follow.
When Reading Difficulties Emerge
In Malta’s schools, reading difficulties typically emerge during formal literacy instruction in Year 1 or Year 2. Warning signs include:
- Difficulty connecting letters to sounds
- Inability to blend phonemes
- Poor rhyming skills
- Slow reading progress despite adequate instruction
- Weak comprehension
- A history of speech delays
How Speech Therapy Helps
Speech therapists address reading challenges by targeting underlying language competencies:
- Systematic phonological awareness training through sound games and blending activities
- Vocabulary expansion to support comprehension
- Narrative skill development via storytelling and sequencing
- Addressing persistent articulation difficulties that may transfer to written language
Reading in Malta’s Bilingual Context
Malta presents unique literacy demands since children learn to read in both Maltese and English — languages with different phonetic systems. Speech therapy works most effectively when coordinated with classroom instruction, ensuring consistent support across educational settings.
The Core Principle
Reading starts with language. By strengthening the spoken language foundation, speech therapy removes obstacles to reading success.
If your child is struggling with reading, contact WonderKids on +356 77048650 or at info@wonderkids.mt.