Episode Details

In this episode, I continue the discussion about language processing and how to support it. I continue the discussion of difficult sentence types, and dive in to one very challenging syntax skill that tends to cause processing problems. Working on this skill can not only improve language comprehension, but it can also help kids more effectively express themselves verbally or in writing. If you're working with kids who have difficulty with reading comprehension, have difficult following directions with multiple steps, or if you have a child who has a hard time keeping up with the pace of daily routines, you'll find it really helpful.

Specifically, I'm going to share:
✅Why language processing issues can often be mistaken for "behavior issues", and why this can be damaging to a child's self-esteem. ✅One powerful skill kids need in order to be able to comprehend sophisticated language during conversations or book reading.
 ✅How to support kids' language skills during reading and other daily activities (by emphasizing one key syntax skill). In this episode, I also mention my Ultimate Guide to Sentence Structure, that takes this information a step further.

This guide walks through some of the common skills that cause language processing problems and how to work on them with kids.

Inside this 36-page guide, you’ll learn:

• Simple strategies proven to boost sentence structure, comprehension, and written language.
• The 4 sentence types your students need to know in order to comprehend language successfully.
• A deceptively simple way to write language goals; so you’re not spending hours on paperwork (for my SLP listeners).

You can download your free copy on my website at: drkarenspeech.com/sentencestructure. The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding. 

Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning