Research Symposium

BIO

I am a second year student from South Florida studying Communication Sciences and Disorders in hopes of becoming a speech language pathologist. I am interested in researching topics related to speech, hearing, and reading.

The Effects of Practice-Based Coaching on the Implementation of Print Referencing for Paraeducators Working with Children with Speech and Language Delays

Abstract

Although there is technically no "right" or "wrong" way to read a book to a child, there are strategies that can make reading to students more effective. More specifically, research has demonstrated a link between print referencing and improved research skills. Print referencing is the concept of highlighting features of text such as form, features, and function during read-alouds (Zucker et al., 2009).

Not only does print referencing help to children learn letter-sound correspondence, but using print referencing (both verbal and non-verbal) during adult-child reading encourages attention to and interaction with the text which increases the child’s metalinguistic focus on the text (Dicataldo & Roch 2022).

Further, research has proven a relationship between children with speech and language delays and a higher risk for reading disorders (Hayiou‐Thomas et al., 2016). Therefore, this study aims to train paraeducators to increase print referencing when reading to children with speech and language delays in hopes of lessening reading risk in delayed students.

Keywords: Print Referencing, Speech Language Delays, Practice-Based Coaching