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Dear Speech Therapist: What is “Normal” for a First-Grader?
Reading, Writing, Language, Executive Functioning Hollis Thomann Reading, Writing, Language, Executive Functioning Hollis Thomann

Dear Speech Therapist: What is “Normal” for a First-Grader?

When we think about what is “normal” for a first-grader in terms of their speech and language skills, a few questions might resonate with parents.

Is my child “typical?”

Is my first-grader on track?

Does my child in first grade need speech therapy?

Is my first-grade student falling behind?

Is my kid okay?

When I’m asked these questions as a speech-language pathologist, I think about what I would expect a child to be able to do in first grade. I think about the skills a six-year-old usually has in speech, language, reading, writing, and executive functioning as a basis for beginning my evaluation.

In this blog post, I’m going to break down what I expect a first-grade student to be able to do in each of the above areas. Feel free to jot down notes about what you notice your child is doing well with and what they might be struggling with. This will help your speech therapist know where to start with evaluating so you can get the best care for your child.

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Speech-language therapy isn't just working on speech sounds!
Mindful Speech - speech therapy for children and teenagers in Chicago, Illinois - headshot of speech therapist Hollis licensed in Illinois and Chicago headshot in white sweater.jpg

Hi, I’m Hollis, the owner of Mindful Speech.

I’m a speech-language pathologist licensed in Illinois and Colorado.

I specialize in providing speech therapy to help children, teens, and young adults to improve language, reading, writing, and executive functioning skills.

Learn more about me on my About Hollis page.

Let’s work together!

Mindful Speech would love to help your teenager in college develop their language, reading, writing, and executive functioning skills.

Click the link below to schedule an initial consultation and make sure that I’m a great fit for you and your family.