Strong Talkers Build Strong Readers™
Language-to-literacy programs, professional development, coaching, and family support led by Fidelia Schnarr, M.S., CCC-SLP.
Reading comprehension rests on two pillars.
To understand what they read, children need both word recognition (sounds and letters) and language comprehension (words, sentences, and stories). If either is weak, understanding suffers. Move the sliders to see how.
How Fidelity helps
Programs
Research-informed language-to-literacy models for schools and families.
See program models →Speaking & Training
Keynotes, workshop series, webinars, coaching, and school consultation.
Work with Fidelia →Language Behind Literacy™
A screening score is a starting point. We also look at how each child learns.
How a child learns
We watch how a child responds to brief teaching, not only what they already know.
Language learning
Vocabulary, sentences, storytelling, and listening comprehension.
Ready to learn
Motivation, interest, attention, and self-regulation.
Strengths
What the child and family already do well, including home languages.
Experiences
Background knowledge and exposure to books are context to build on, never a deficit.
What we build at each age
TK & Preschool (Ages 3–5)
Oral language, vocabulary, storytelling with pictures, interactive read-alouds, rhyme and sound play, print awareness, letter knowledge, and feelings words.
Kindergarten
Sound awareness, letter names and sounds, vocabulary, retelling, following directions, and readiness to learn.
Grade 1
Linking talk to early reading, sentences with "because," "so," and "but," story structure, and answering "why" and "how" questions.
Grade 2
Academic vocabulary, complex sentences, retelling and explaining, inference, and background knowledge.
From screening scores to stronger teaching
Since 2025–26, California schools screen every K–2 student each year for risk of reading difficulties. Fidelity helps schools and families understand what the results mean for language, and plan teaching that responds.
Fidelity programs add to, and never replace, a school's required screening and evaluation process. Fidelity does not diagnose any disability through its educational programs.
Who we serve
Schools & Districts
Program design, screening-to-instruction planning, and consultation.
Plan for your school →From first call to lasting change
Discovery Call
A free 10-minute call about your goals.
Design
A plan that fits your staff, schedule, and community.
Train & Coach
Hands-on learning and support.
Measure & Refine
Check growth from each child's starting point, and adjust.
ABCs of Belize
By Fidelia Schnarr, illustrated by Huey Neal.
Ready to build strong readers?
Start with a free 10-minute conversation.