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Tera Sumpter, M.A., CCC-SLP, offers a groundbreaking and holistic approach to the assessment and treatment of childhood learning disabilities. This revolutionary method assembles the puzzle pieces of learning, connecting the dots from the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and speech language therapy to provide a comprehensive process for understanding and assisting children who struggle with learning. This book is written for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, teachers, parents, psychologists, reading specialists, and more. We have all looked into the eyes of a child who struggled with communication and/or academic development. You probably vividly remember feeling disappointed and helpless as you tried various interventions and made recommendations, only to be disappointed with minimal improvement. Tera Sumpter offers a brilliant, beautifully written ray of hope as she explains a cognitive, holistic framework that provides practitioners with a path forward. Thank you, Tera, for continuing to push the boundaries and to think outside of the box, and for challenging all of us to do the same. −Myrita S. Wilhite, PhD, AuD, CCC-A, Director, Speech and Hearing Program, Cleveland State University Tera Sumpter’s book succinctly and eloquently provides an integrated neurobiological model and intervention process for strengthening a child's cognitive processes and executive function. The idea that speech and executive function are interconnected and that by working through specific skill enhancement in multiple functional domains one can achieve greater success in overarching cognitive abilities is beautifully illustrated in case examples and based in well researched models. By looking at the whole child and fully assessing areas of strengths and weaknesses, she is able to provide a better rationale for targeted interventions that go beyond the superficial diagnoses of reading disabilities or speech disorders to effect real change. −Joseph Austerman, DO, Section Head, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, The Cleveland Clinic Mrs. Sumpter's book is a description of the model and diagnostic techniques that support her successful approach to young children with learning disabilities and it has the potential to be a very useful manual for the practitioners in her field. I recommend Mrs. Sumpter's manual as much as I have recommended her service to friends and colleagues who happened to be parents to these beautiful children. −Bartolomeo Giannattasio, MD, PhD, Director of Electrophysiology, Southwest General Health Center, Middleburg Heights, OH Tera's cognitive model has helped me understand areas of speech therapy that I've grappled with for years. It's the missing piece that I wasn't taught in school. −Heather Eisenman, MS, CCC-SLP (Fairbanks, AK) A must for ANYONE working in schools! −Mehreen Masoud, MSc Cert MRCSLT (London, UK) Tera provides a fresh perspective on how to address the underlying issues for all areas of therapy. It makes you think and re-wire your own brain to better serve your students. She make it easy to understand, and she gives you the research behind it. −Jamie Blakeley, MS, CCC-SLP (Johnson Creek, WI)

**The Seeds of Learning: A Cognitive Processing Model for Speech, Language, Literacy, and Executive Functioning** is a comprehensive and innovative book that provides a groundbreaking perspective on the interconnectedness of speech, language, literacy, and executive functioning. Through the lens of a cognitive processing model, this book sheds light on the complex relationships between these domains, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing various learning difficulties.

**Key Concepts Explored:**

1. **Cognitive Processing Model:** The book introduces a transformative cognitive processing model that integrates speech, language, literacy, and executive functioning. This model emphasizes the dynamic interplay between these domains and their impact on learning and academic success.

2. **Language Acquisition and Phonological Processing:** The authors delve into the intricate relationship between language acquisition and phonological processing, highlighting the role of phonological awareness and phonological memory in developing speech and language skills.

3. **Literacy Development:** The book explores the cognitive processes involved in literacy development, including word recognition, reading comprehension, and writing. It emphasizes the importance of phonological awareness, orthographic processing, and working memory in successful literacy acquisition.

4. **Executive Functioning:** The authors emphasize the critical role of executive functions, such as attention, inhibitory control, and working memory, in supporting speech, language, and literacy development. They discuss the impact of executive functioning deficits on learning and academic performance.

5. **Assessment and Intervention:** The book provides practical guidance on assessing and intervening in cases of speech, language, literacy, and executive functioning difficulties. It offers research-based strategies and interventions for addressing specific learning challenges.

6. **Case Studies:** To illustrate the real-life application of the cognitive processing model, the book presents detailed case studies of children with learning difficulties. These case studies showcase the assessment and intervention process and highlight the positive outcomes achieved through targeted interventions.

**Target Audience:**

This book is an invaluable resource for professionals working in the fields of speech-language pathology, special education, and reading instruction. It is particularly beneficial for:

* Speech-Language Pathologists: Provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between speech, language, and cognition, enabling more effective assessment and intervention.

* Special Educators: Offers a framework for understanding and addressing learning difficulties that impact speech, language, literacy, and executive functioning.

* Reading Instructors: Helps educators understand the cognitive processes involved in literacy development and provides strategies for supporting struggling readers.

* Researchers and Graduate Students: Provides a solid foundation for research and advanced study in the areas of speech, language, literacy, and executive functioning.

**About the Authors:**

The book is authored by a team of experts in the fields of speech-language pathology, special education, and reading instruction. Their combined experience and knowledge provide a comprehensive and well-rounded perspective on the interconnectedness of speech, language, literacy, and executive functioning.

With its innovative cognitive processing model, practical guidance, and detailed case studies, **The Seeds of Learning** is an indispensable resource for professionals seeking to understand and address learning difficulties effectively.