In this second episode of Child Language Case Studies, Margo Kinzer Courter, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, shifts the focus to an older learner and explores how phonological and phonemic awareness challenges can persist into the upper elementary years. This case follows Julia, a 12-year, 6-month-old seventh grader who has received speech-language services since kindergarten and has developed foundational phonemic awareness skills, including blending and segmenting single-syllable words.
Despite these strengths, Julia continues to experience difficulty with multisyllabic word reading and related language demands that impact academic performance. In this episode, Margo examines how phonological and phonemic awareness needs evolve over time and how clinicians can adapt intervention approaches to support older students whose challenges look different but remain deeply connected to literacy.
You will explore targeted intervention strategies designed to support continued language growth, along with practical approaches for collaborating with educators to promote carryover in the classroom. Because school remains a child’s primary work environment, this episode emphasizes aligning therapy goals with academic expectations to support meaningful participation and long-term success.
Despite these strengths, Julia continues to experience difficulty with multisyllabic word reading and related language demands that impact academic performance. In this episode, Margo examines how phonological and phonemic awareness needs evolve over time and how clinicians can adapt intervention approaches to support older students whose challenges look different but remain deeply connected to literacy.
You will explore targeted intervention strategies designed to support continued language growth, along with practical approaches for collaborating with educators to promote carryover in the classroom. Because school remains a child’s primary work environment, this episode emphasizes aligning therapy goals with academic expectations to support meaningful participation and long-term success.









