Most people associate speech therapy with talking—but it’s also a critical support for reading and writing. That’s because language is the foundation of literacy. When a child struggles with understanding or using spoken language, they often struggle with reading fluency, comprehension, and written expression as well.

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our speech therapy programs are designed to strengthen the language skills children need not only to speak—but to read and write with confidence. We help children build vocabulary, process language, and organize thoughts, setting them up for academic success.

The Connection Between Language and Literacy
Language and literacy are deeply linked. Reading is essentially understanding written language, and writing is organizing and expressing thoughts using words. If a child has difficulty with oral language, they often face challenges like:

  • Poor phonemic awareness (difficulty identifying sounds in words)

  • Limited vocabulary, which affects reading comprehension

  • Trouble forming complete sentences in writing

  • Difficulty retelling stories or summarizing texts

  • Challenges with sequencing ideas clearly

These issues can hold children back in school, even if they are bright and motivated. Speech therapy identifies and targets these root problems before they affect long-term learning.

How OrbRom Center Builds Language for Literacy
At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our speech-language pathologists create individualized programs to support literacy-focused language development. Therapy may target:

  • Phonological awareness: Teaching children how to recognize, segment, and manipulate the sounds in words (essential for reading and spelling)

  • Vocabulary building: Strengthening understanding of new words through pictures, repetition, and context

  • Grammar and sentence structure: Helping children express ideas clearly and accurately

  • Narrative skills: Teaching children how to tell or retell stories in a logical order

  • Reading comprehension strategies: Building skills like predicting, summarizing, and identifying main ideas

Children who also struggle with attention or sensory issues benefit from calming tools like the Noise Cancelling Headphones and Sleep Sound Machine to support focus during literacy tasks.

Speech Therapy Activities That Support Reading and Writing
Therapy sessions are fun, interactive, and literacy-rich. Activities might include:

  • Rhyming games to boost phonemic awareness

  • Using picture books to expand vocabulary and infer meaning

  • Sequencing tasks like putting story pictures in order

  • Describing characters, settings, and events using visual prompts

  • Practicing writing structured sentences with visual organizers

We also integrate visual supports, repetition, and play-based learning to make sessions engaging and effective.

When to Consider Literacy-Focused Speech Therapy
Your child may benefit from this approach if they:

  • Have trouble learning letters and sounds

  • Struggle to blend or segment words when reading

  • Speak in short or incomplete sentences

  • Avoid reading or writing tasks in school

  • Have difficulty understanding classroom instructions or new vocabulary

At OrbRom, we provide detailed Developmental Assessments that evaluate both language and literacy readiness. Early identification makes a big difference in long-term academic performance.

Home Strategies for Supporting Literacy
We coach parents on simple strategies to support reading and writing at home, such as:

  • Reading aloud daily and discussing the story

  • Playing sound games like “I spy something that starts with /s/”

  • Using drawing and storytelling activities to encourage expressive language

  • Practicing writing using pictures or sentence starters

  • Encouraging a print-rich environment with labels, signs, and books at eye level

Children also benefit from a calm space for reading practice. Tools like the Sensory Peapod can help create a cozy reading nook where children feel safe and focused.

Why Families in Phnom Penh Choose OrbRom Center
OrbRom Center is one of the few therapy providers in Cambodia that bridges the gap between speech-language development and literacy. Parents choose us because we offer:

  • Speech-language pathologists trained in language and literacy development

  • Individual and small-group sessions tailored to academic goals

  • Khmer and English therapy options

  • Support for children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and general language delays

  • Practical home activities and parent coaching

We believe that every child deserves the tools to read, write, and express their ideas with clarity and confidence.

Conclusion: Language Unlocks Learning
Speech therapy is not just for speaking—it’s a powerful tool to help children in Phnom Penh succeed in reading and writing. At OrbRom Center, we strengthen the language foundation every child needs to thrive in school and in life.

If your child is struggling to read, write, or express ideas clearly, don’t wait. Early intervention through speech therapy can unlock the confidence and skills they need. Visit our Speech Therapy Services page to learn more.

We are the only Preschool specialized on children with special needs in PhnomPenh.

  • Internationally qualified teachers
  • Cambodia’s largest sensory room
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Covered outdoor playground

 📞 Phone: 077.455.993
Telegram Link: https://t.me/OrbRom