SLP Guide to Dyslexia

May 18th is National SLP Day! 💜✨

Reading starts with language. Happy SLP Day to the SLPs helping students with language-based learning differences build literacy skills and confidence.

Reading comprehension isn’t one skill, it’s the product of a system. In the Simple View of Reading, decoding skills and language skills work together to create comprehension. When both are strong, comprehension is strong. When either is weak, comprehension is limited.

Think of it like a flashlight: batteries (word recognition), a bulb (language comprehension), and a working connection. All three are needed for the light to turn on fully. If one is weak or missing, the light of comprehension dims, or doesn’t turn on at all.

🔋 x 💡 = 🔦

This is why reading struggles can look different across learners. It’s not just about sounding out words, it’s about whether the system produces understanding.

March is National Reading Month! 🎉 Whether you’re an SLP planning therapy sessions or a family looking for fun ways to support literacy at home, these simple activities can boost vocabulary, phonological awareness, comprehension, and a love of reading. Try read-alouds, rhyming and letter games, or even a reading challenge to celebrate the joy of reading all month long!

I am happy to announce that the PBC that I created along with Dr. Kane is gaining traction. Complete the interest form today!

Advance your impact in literacy education! 📚✨The Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership's Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Literacy Coaching (K-12) is designed for educators ready to lead with equity and evidence-based practice. Fill out the interest form today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdc4J7m7AYTlrVaf6gxX0PG4zJWKIWbD6OSqEkBBNyvFlP0jA/viewform

Now enrolling!!

The LEAP Preschool at the University of Maryland has a limited number of open spots for the Spring 2026 semester, beginning February 2. Enrollment is now open!

Designed for children ages 3–5, LEAP offers an incredible, play-based preschool experience with built-in speech and language support.

For less than $500 per month, your child receives each week:
90 minutes of 1:1 speech and language therapy
8 hours of play-based group therapy
A nurturing preschool setting led by certified speech-language pathologists

This program is ideal for families looking for high-quality, affordable speech and language support embedded into a preschool day.

Schedule your tour today to learn more and see if LEAP is the right fit for your child! Feel free to reach out with questions or share with a family who may be interested:
Dr. Courtney Overton, Director
[email protected]

Congratulations to all!

We’re proud to share that three Speech of Cake SLPs are now certified Structured Literacy / Dyslexia Interventionists through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).

👉 CERI certifications verify that clinicians have the training to deliver evidence-based Structured Literacy instruction grounded in the science of reading.

Congratulations to Courtney, Tyiesha, and Phoebe! 🎉

These three words show up everywhere in conversations about literacy instruction, but they’re not just buzzwords.

🔍 Explicit instruction means skills are taught directly.
↪ Systematic instruction means there’s a thoughtful plan.
🪜 Cumulative instruction means new learning builds on what’s already been taught.

When phonics instruction is clear and intentional, students don’t have to guess and reading starts to make sense.

🌟 Save this post or share it with someone learning about dyslexia!

💜 FREE Dyslexia Resources for Families

Learning about dyslexia doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are five reliable, parent-friendly resources to help parents and caregivers understand what dyslexia is, what it isn’t, and how to support their child at home and at school.

Parents, save this post so you always have these tools handy! 📚
SLPs, save this post to share with families! 💜

LiteracyMatters SLPsofinstagram ParentSupport DMVparents NOVAparents AlexandriaVA

Reading and writing don’t start with print — they start with language.

Children build literacy from the ground up:
🪴 Vocabulary helps them understand and express ideas.
👂 Listening comprehension helps them make sense of stories and conversations.
🧩 Syntax supports how they combine words into meaningful sentences.
🔤 Phonological awareness helps them hear and manipulate sounds in words.

When these language roots are strong, the branches of reading, writing, and spelling can grow and thrive!🌳

Never stop learning! Each Fall, the Center for Effective Reading Instruction awards a select number of educators the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist Certification. We are happy to announce that one of our authors, Dr. Courtney Overton, recently earned this distinction!