How to Support Early Literacy Through Speech and Language Development with Rita Shamoun

Have you ever had a student who struggles to pronounce words clearly—or one who seems to have trouble following directions or understanding new vocabulary? You might be seeing early signs of speech and language difficulties, which can directly impact reading success.

In this episode, I sit down with pediatric speech pathologist Rita Shamoun to explore the critical connection between oral language development and literacy. We break down how speech and language delays affect phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and spelling—and, most importantly, what teachers can do to provide effective support.

You'll learn:

1. The difference between speech and language difficulties—and why both matter for reading.
2. How to spot early signs that a student may need extra support.
3. Why a multidisciplinary approach is key to ensuring students don’t fall through the cracks.

Show Links

Wine With Wita Podcast
Rita Shamoun Speech Pathology Website
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