When I started as an SLP back in the 90s, the pendulum had swung to the opposite side of the reading education spectrum…again. The sight word “Look-Say” of my parents’ Dick and Jane era was coming back as a component of “Whole Language,” and the phonics learning of my 70s early education was going out of fashion.

I like to watch the credits. I’m the person at the movie theater sitting there still immersed in the “outro” music that transitions you back into reality while reflecting on what was just experienced. I like taking the time to reflect on the hundreds of people who put their expertise and energy into the production.

As a Speech-Language Pathologists, we see firsthand the incredible impact literacy has on a child’s communication and overall development. Celebrating Literacy Month as a family is a wonderful opportunity to foster a love of reading, strengthen language skills, and build meaningful connections through storytelling.