What Teachers Should Know
Speech refers to the way sounds and words are formed, and language refers to the use of words to receive and express information.
Kids with speech disorders may have trouble with:
- articulation, the production of speech sounds
- fluency, the rhythm and flow of speech
- voice, the quality of pitch, resonance, or loudness
Students with language disorders may have trouble understanding or being understood through all forms of communication — verbal, nonverbal, and written. This can cause difficulty understanding the meaning of words and putting words together to form an idea.
Students with speech and language problems may have trouble with reading, writing, or speaking aloud in class. Treatment is aimed at improving skills through speech-language therapy. The sooner therapy begins, the better.
