Your article (“Children to be told it’s good to talk”, TES, July 12) focuses on the welcome aim of improving spoken language in the primary literacy hour. But even more important is comprehension. Although this is covered partly by “listening” in the curriculum for English, it is rarely seen as a specific problem. But any child who seems to have fluctuating interest levels in the classroom may suffer it.
Assessment by a speech and language therapist can pinpoint the problem and action can be taken. Too often we think of language only as what children can say. What they understand can also make or break their social and educational progress.
Sally Newman
Speech and language therapist
Wokingham Primary Care Trust Berkshire
