Who should a primary grade special education teacher consult for phonics strategies when students struggle with letter sounds?

Consulting with the Speech Language Pathologist is a sound choice for addressing phonics strategies related to letter sounds, as they specialize in language development and communication disorders. They have expertise in phonetic awareness and can provide tailored strategies and interventions that help students who face difficulties with phonics. Their understanding of how speech and language components interact allows them to focus on specific phonetic skills essential for decoding and reading.

The other professionals mentioned may contribute valuable insights in their areas of expertise, but they do not specialize in phonics or reading development to the same extent as the Speech Language Pathologist. The Classroom Teacher might have general strategies for integrating phonics into the curriculum, while the School Psychologist usually focuses on behavioral and cognitive assessments rather than phonological skills. The Occupational Therapist deals primarily with fine motor skills and sensory integration, which might indirectly support learning but does not directly address the phonics challenges presented.