The effect of speech training on silent reading achievement

Speech Improvement as an Aid to Language Development

“…Previous speech improvement studies have demonstrated significant gains in reading (Jones, 1951;Sommers et al, 1961;Sommers, 1962;and Sawyer, 1965). In addition, speech improvement studies concentrating on articulation ability have established gains (Van Riper, 1953;Wilson, 1954;Jones, 1957;Van Hattum, 1959;Byrne, 1960;Sommers et al, 1961;and Sommers, 1962).…”

“…An analysis of the following studies (Jones, 1951;Van Riper, 1953;Van Riper and Butler, 1955;Jones, 1957;Garrison et al, 1961;Sommers et al, 1961;Rasmussen, 1962;Sommers, 1962;Sawyer, 1965;and Scott, 1968), reveals the effects of speech improvement on reading, speech, and language development when coupled with planned programs of speech and language improvement. Wilson (1954) undertook a twelve-week study which pursued the effects of daily speech improvement lessons on kindergarten children; the following conclusions were drawn:…”

Chapter V: Speech

“…Jones (71) indicated that speech training improved silent reading achievement of Grade III children, altho boys did not improve as much as girls. In a study of physical action in simulated expression of emotions by oral readers Strother (116) reported that some emotions were characterized by a higher level of action than others and that readers who best simulated the emotions showed more widespread action.…”