Is it Speech or Language?
My student cannot say an /r/ sound.
Is it speech?
I can follow 3 and 4 step directions, in order
I can say my /r/ sound.
What is 8 years old (end of second grade)?
My 5 year old student says /f/ for [th].
What is no?
The [th] sound is an appropriate error until age 8.
Receptive Language
What is the ability to UNDERSTAND language?
-understand vocabulary
- understand how different grammatical markers change word meaning (e.g. -ed)
My student struggles with saying two sounds in consonant blends. For example, she says "mile" instead of "smile".
What is speech?
What is Kindergarten?
I can say my /k/ and /g/ sound.
What is age 4 (beginning of kindergarten)?
My 8 year old student has difficulty using irregular plurals and past-tense verbs.
What is YES?
Use of irregular plurals and irregular past-tense verbs should both be developed by the age of 8.0.
Expressive Langauge
- using correct grammar
- using age-appropriate vocabulary
My student struggles with answering Wh- questions.
What is language?
I can make planned speeches specific to an audience.
What is 5th grade?
I can say my /v/ sound
What is age 5 - 6 (end of kindergarten)?
My 7 year old student says /t/ for /k/ and /d/ for /g/.
What yes!
The /k/ and /g/ sounds should be accurately produced by age 4.
Semantics
My student leaves -ed and -ing off of words while talking.
What is language?
I can understand and use figurative (non-literal) language.
What is 4th grade?
I can say my /s/ sound.
What is age 7 (end of first grade / second grade)?
My student has a hard time following multi-step directions. They are often talking to peers and appear distracted while directions are given.
What is NO?
This is likely related to attention more so than language.
Syntax
What is grammar?
I have trouble understanding my student due articulation and grammar errors.
What is speech and language?
I can summarize a story.
What is 3rd grade?
I am understood more than 95% of the time by unfamiliar listeners.
What is 5 years old / kindergarten?
Students should be >95% intelligible by the age of 5.0!
Sometimes my student struggles to greet peers and adults appropriately and may avoid eye contact.
What is NO!
If this student is able to demonstrate appropriate social skills sometimes, they likely understand the skill and make a choice regarding whether or not to use it. A student's understanding is pragmatic language, a student utilizing that understanding is social skills.
Pragmatics
What is using language for social interaction such as requesting, asking for clarification, self advocacy, and participating in conversation.