Holding Back or Giving Time? The School Readiness Debate - with Carl Sokkar

Hi everyone,This week on Wine with Wita, we’re continuing our School Readiness Series with someone very special to me, my former clinical educator, mentor, and dear friend, Carl Sokkar. Carl is a highly experienced speech pathologist and theDirector of the Speech Language Learning Centre in Westmead, the very first clinic I worked at after university. It’s still one of the most supportive, client-focused clinics I’ve known. In this conversation, Carl and I talk about what school readiness really looks like from a communication perspective.We explore:🎒 What skills actually help children succeed in the classroom 🎒 Why emotional readiness can be just as important as academic knowledge 🎒 How to spot red flags and support your child early 🎒 Why “holding back” might not be the right term at all 🎒 What a speech pathologist looks at when assessing school readinessWe also break down the core communication milestones andshare simple strategies parents can use at home to support their child’s confidence and learning.📍 Carl Sokkar is the Director of Speech Language Learning Centre, based in Westmead, Sydney. You can also find the clinic on Instagram @speechlanguagelearningcentreLots of love, RitaP.S.: Follow me on @winewithwitapodcast for more tips, insights and updates.This episode of Wine with Wita is brought to you by Nundies- soft, sensory-friendly absorbent pants for kids who need a little extra support with toileting. As a speechie and a mum, I know how helpful they can be for delayed toilet training or sensory needs. They're gentle, breathable, NDIS-covered, and make everyday life that bit easier. Get 30% off your first order with the code WITA30 at ⁠ConfidenceClub.com.au⁠.Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development