How Speech Therapy Enhances Classroom Success for Children in Phnom Penh

Many children in Phnom Penh enter the classroom excited to learn—but when they struggle with speech and language, school quickly becomes frustrating. Whether it’s trouble answering questions, difficulty following directions, or not being understood by peers, speech challenges can interfere with both learning and confidence.

At OrbRom Center, our speech therapy services are designed not just to improve communication, but also to help children succeed academically. By targeting key language and speech skills, we support students in mastering classroom expectations, participating in lessons, and building strong peer relationships.

The Link Between Speech Skills and School Performance
Language is the foundation of learning. Children who have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding spoken instructions often fall behind in subjects like reading, writing, and math—even if they are otherwise capable.

Common speech and language challenges that impact classroom success include:

• Articulation issues (difficulty pronouncing sounds)

• Language delays (limited vocabulary or trouble forming sentences)

• Receptive language problems (difficulty understanding what’s said)

• Expressive language difficulties (struggling to explain ideas clearly)

• Auditory processing issues (trouble following verbal directions or remembering information)

Speech therapy addresses these foundational skills, helping children participate fully in learning.

How OrbRom Center Supports School Readiness and Success
At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our therapists use classroom-relevant activities and language goals during speech sessions. Our goal is not just to improve speech, but to prepare children to thrive in their academic environments.

Key areas we focus on include:

• Following multi-step directions

• Using age-appropriate vocabulary

• Answering “wh” questions (who, what, where, when, why)

• Retelling stories and summarizing information

• Understanding classroom language like “circle time,” “line up,” or “raise your hand”

For children who need extra sensory support to stay focused during sessions, we recommend calming aids like the Weighted Sensory Blanket or Noise Cancelling Headphones, both available through the OrbRom Sensory Shop.

Speech Therapy for Bilingual Learners
Phnom Penh is home to many bilingual students who speak Khmer at home and English at school. While being bilingual is a strength, it can complicate language development if children are struggling in both languages.

Our therapists at OrbRom Center provide bilingual support, helping children transfer communication skills between languages and overcome confusion caused by mixed-language environments. We also work closely with international and local schools to ensure consistent strategies are used across settings.

Collaborating with Schools for Consistent Progress
We know that therapy is only part of the equation. For true success, children need support in every environment. That’s why OrbRom Center regularly collaborates with teachers and school staff to ensure:

• Consistent communication goals between therapy and classroom

• Speech accommodations like visual aids, extra time, or simplified language

• Progress tracking shared between therapists, parents, and educators

We also help schools develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children who need formal support documentation.

When to Seek Help: Red Flags for School-Age Children
If your child is struggling in school, don’t wait to explore speech therapy. Some common signs include:

• Difficulty explaining what they’ve learned

• Avoiding speaking in class or answering questions

• Poor reading comprehension or limited vocabulary

• Trouble understanding teacher directions

• Challenges making or keeping friends due to unclear speech

A Developmental Assessment at OrbRom Center will help identify any speech or language issues and guide next steps.

Why Phnom Penh Families Trust OrbRom Center
OrbRom Center is known for its comprehensive, family-centered speech therapy programs. Parents and schools across Phnom Penh choose us because we offer:

• Khmer and English-speaking speech-language pathologists

• Academic-focused therapy plans

• Sensory-aware, child-friendly therapy spaces

• Strong collaboration with schools and educators

Our focus is always on empowering children—not just to speak clearly, but to succeed in every aspect of their education.

Conclusion: Give Your Child the Tools to Thrive in School
Speech therapy is more than pronunciation—it’s about giving children the tools they need to learn, participate, and feel confident in the classroom. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we believe every child deserves to be heard and understood, especially in school.

If your child is struggling with communication in academic settings, we’re here to help. Explore our Speech Therapy Services and give your child the support they need to succeed.