Studies have shown that grammar is foundational to a child’s communication and academic growth. SLPs who work with children with development language disorders (DLD) – regardless of the etiology of the disorder – need effective research-based grammar interventions in their toolbox. The articles in this journal self-study (selected from a Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schoolsforum, “Morphosyntax Assessment and Intervention for Children”) describe evidence-based approaches for grammar assessment and treatment and provide tools to support goal-setting and progress monitoring. The articles discuss new approaches and practical implications for practice.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• Discuss the importance of grammar treatment for children with DLD
• Identify evidence-based assessment and treatment approaches for children with syntax and morphology difficulties
• Describe measures used to track graphic symbol communication for children who require AAC

Contents

The following articles are included in this course:

• Morphological Errors in Monolingual Spanish-Speaking Children With and Without Developmental Language Disorders, by Anny Castilla-Earls, Alejandra Auza, Ana Teresa Pérez-Leroux, Katrina Fulcher-Rood, and Christopher Barr
• Tracking Early Sentence-Building Progress in Graphic Symbol Communication, by Cathy Binger, Jennifer Kent-Walsh, Nancy Harrington, and Quinn C. Hollerbach
• Use of Imitation Training for Targeting Grammar: A Narrative Review, by Sarita L. Eisenberg, Shelley L. Bredin-Oja, and Kasey Crumrine
• Using Computerized Language Analysis to Evaluate Grammatical Skills, by Lizbeth H. Finestack, Bobbi Rohwer, Lisa Hilliard, and Leonard Abbeduto
• Language and Literacy Together: Supporting Grammatical Development in Dual Language Learners With Risk for Language and Learning Difficulties, by Lisa M. Bedore, Elizabeth D. Peña, Christine Fiestas, and Mirza J. Lugo-Neris

Course Reviews

"Roughly 60% of my school-age clientele are bright, upper-elementary students with significant language-learning challenges. I found this course very helpful in improving my current therapy techniques with my school-age clients."

"These articles were incredibly beneficial for me and provided a lot of information I can apply to my job, and also information I can pass along to coworkers and teachers."

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.