How to Establish a Language-Rich Environment Through a Collaborative SLP–Teacher Partnership

Abstract

Students’ language skills are a foundational component to their overall success, indicating the importance of rich language environments in classrooms. It is critical for teachers to understand how to create an environment aimed at maximizing language as they’re likely to have students with language disorders in their classroom. Typically, teachers receive minimal training on students with language disorders and how to support them academically. This paper discusses the significance of interdisciplinary collaborative relationships between speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and general education teachers to achieve a language rich environment in the classroom. We (a) introduce the essential components to an effective SLP-teacher partnership, (b) address barriers and provide plausible solutions, (c) overview common types of language disorders, (d) provide tips on how to use language-supportive strategies, and (e) discuss different types of effective partnerships to support students.