UA Conference Aims to Improve Language and Literacy Skills Through 'Word Study’

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Speech-language pathologists and students in Northwest Arkansas will learn important skills to help children improve reading and spelling at a conference sponsored by the UA chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Noted national educator Kenn Apel will present “Word Study: Improving Students’ Language/Literacy Skills” in a workshop held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 1 at the Radisson Hotel, Fayetteville.

 “We are pleased to be bringing Dr. Apel to Northwest Arkansas,” said Larry Aslin, instructor in communication disorders and clinical services coordinator for the UA Speech and Hearing Clinic. “He is nationally respected for his research and teaching on typical and non-typical language and literacy development, with a focus on reading and spelling.”

Apel is professor and chair of the department of communicative disorders and sciences at Wichita State University. He is a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and former associate editor of the journal Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in the Schools.

Aslin noted that the success of students' academic, vocational and social endeavors often hinges on their reading and writing abilities.  Recent research and theories regarding the development of literacy skills have increased the interest and involvement of speech-language pathologists in serving this student population.

 “Spelling is the best window into what people know about language, because to be a good speller you have to know about sounds of language, how the sounds are linked to letters and vice versa, and to understand the meaning relationship among words,” Apel said.

He added that learning about words is crucial in that it creates a domino effect for all language skills. Word study increases decoding ability, which frees the mind up to process individual words. Then, comprehension and fluency improve.

“Research shows that as you become a better speller your written composition improves,” Apel said. “The kids we see who have literacy problems with writing will write for you but they avoid words they don’t know how to spell so their essay is very impoverished because they are using short words. As spelling improves, word choice improves.”

On-site registration is available at $80 for professionals and free to students. Participants may earn six continuing professional education units. For more information, contact Marilyn McGehee, instructor in communication disorders, at (479) 575-4509 or mmcgehee@uark.edu. The Fayetteville Radisson Hotel is located north of the Fayetteville square at 70 N. East Ave.