Speech and language development plays a crucial role in any child’s school experience, and can even be an indication of future educational success. Our ability to communicate affects how we express ourselves, how we understand information, and how we engage with others. As a result, children with a communication delay or difficulty may find some aspects of the school day challenging, and many benefit from extra support with either speech and language skills, learning, or both.
If you’re worried about your child’s language skills, you may be feeling unsure about their future.
But before you panic, it’s important to understand the different ways in which their communication skills can impact their education, and what you can do to support them through these challenges early on.
With that in mind, here are some key ways in which speech and language difficulties may affect a child's learning and academic progress.
1. Language development
Children with age appropriate communication skills tend to have a broader vocabulary and better language comprehension. Secure language skills are essential for understanding basic instructions in the classroom; performing academic tasks such as reading and comprehension; and being able to engage in classroom discussions and demonstrate learning.
Despite this, a concerning 1.9 million primary and secondary school children are now estimated to be behind with using and understanding words.
Children with a delay or difficulty in terms of their language skills may struggle to understand and retain new concepts, follow directions, or engage in conversations. This can hinder their learning and overall progress throughout their school experience.
2. Reading and writing
Children who struggle to use and say the right sounds in words may have unclear speech, and this can also spill over into their reading and writing skills. Some children with speech sound errors in their talking will find it more challenging to recognise and understand the sounds that make up words. This is an essential skill for reading and writing.
In addition, many subjects at school place a huge emphasis on literacy skills. This means that children who find reading and writing difficult are likely to underachieve in core subjects like English and History, for example.
3. Social interaction and making friends
We know that going to school isn't just about getting an education and learning in the classroom; it’s also about social interaction and making friends.
Clear and intelligible speech is an important skill to support interaction and building relationships with peers. Children who struggle to get their message across easily may have difficulty making friends, participating in group activities, or expressing themselves in the school setting. Communication difficulties and social isolation can have a long term impact on self-esteem, and often children who struggle to initiate and/or maintain secure relationships have a negative educational experience overall.
4. Classroom participation and building confidence
Following on from this last point, children who can express their thoughts and ideas clearly are more likely to participate in classroom discussions, raise their hand to ask questions, and engage with their teachers and peers.
On the other hand, children with speech, language and communication difficulties tend to participate less, and may be reluctant to ask for help when they need it. This can lead to a lack of confidence in expressing themselves, and a risk of falling behind even further.
5. Listening and following instructions
As we touched on above, good speech and language skills are essential for effective listening and being able to understand instructions.
Children with a communication delay may have difficulty processing and understanding spoken language. This can impact their ability to follow directions and complete tasks accurately.
Being able to follow instructions and do as the teacher asks is really important in the classroom environment - not just for learning, but also for safety. Children who struggle to listen and understand may find it difficult to engage in group activities or complete individual work.
There is also more room for misunderstandings and frustration in the classroom, which can negatively impact a child’s behaviour and learning even further.
6. Behavioural and emotional development
Speech difficulties can sometimes make it difficult for a child to get their message across, causing them to become frustrated, angry or upset. Some children may even withdraw and become reluctant to use their voice at all.
These children can be perceived as having difficult or challenging behaviour, with a knock on effect for the learning environment as well as the child’s relationships with peers and adults.
The emotional challenges that stem from this may also impact the child’s ability to concentrate on their work and learn effectively.
7. Teacher expectations and academic support
Although a harsh reality, some teachers will have different expectations for children based on their speech and language abilities, be that consciously or unconsciously.
Children with clear speech are often perceived as more capable, especially if they are ahead with their reading and writing, whilst those with communication difficulties might be underestimated and given less attention, even if the teacher isn't doing this intentionally.
This can lead to disparities in the level of support and encouragement the child receives, which may affect their motivation and academic performance. They are also unlikely to be challenged, asked questions during class discussions, or selected for certain projects.
8. The future of their academic success
Early speech and language development sets the foundation for all future learning. This means that children with strong communication skills early on are better equipped to tackle more complex language tasks as they progress through school.
On the other hand, those with communication difficulties, if not recognised and supported appropriately, can experience long-term implications in terms of their academic trajectory, potentially even affecting success in higher education and beyond.
9. Tests, assessments and grades
Lastly, standardised tests and classroom assessments take place from a young age and often relay on secure language comprehension and adequate verbal skills to succeed. Children with communication difficulties may struggle to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities in such formats, thereby receiving lower grades than their peers.
This can result in lower test scores and an inaccurate reflection of the child’s true academic potential, as well as causing low self-esteem and confidence issues.
How to support a child with communication difficulties, and keep your child’s learning on track
It’s really important that you make time to engage with your child from a young age - reading to your child, singing songs and playing together will help to develop their language skills.
If you suspect that your child may be struggling in any aspect of their speech and language development, it’s crucial to get them support as early as possible. Early intervention can help to mitigate any negative effects this could have on your child’s education, and will provide them with the best chance possible to catch up with their learning and their peers.
Ultimately, speech and language development is integral to a child’s educational success. Early identification of communication difficulties, and appropriate intervention, can greatly improve a child's ability to succeed both academically and socially.
Parents, teachers and Speech and Language Therapists like ours here at Saltroad can work together to support children to reaching their communication potential, so that they can get the most from their educational experience.