Ideas & Advice Blog
Purposeful Pausing
Posted on February 13 2012, 3:14:54 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Pausing is one of the techniques used in spoken language learning for a child with hearing loss. It can be used initially to encourage response to sounds, later for language development and then for problem solving. Pausing involves waiting to see if your child responds before you prompt him or model the expected answer. Once a child is wearing his listening devices during all waking hours, pausing can give him developmentally appropriate opportunities to show what he notices and understands.
Stages of Speech and Language Development
Posted on February 13 2012, 3:01:41 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Children with Normal Hearing Ages Birth Through Five Years Old
It has been found that with early detection, appropriate amplification (hearing-aids, FM systems or Cochlear Implants) and educational support, hearing-impaired children can be expected to progress across normal levels of speech and language achievement.
Some Common Sounds
Posted on February 13 2012, 12:51:24 PM | Posted by jtcweb
If you have normal hearing, you probably tend to overlook many sounds in your everyday living environment. You probably don’t think about the hum of a computer, whir of the ceiling fan, or the bang of something being dropped. Little hearing-impaired children need to learn about these many sounds that are part of the everyday world. This list of common sounds will give you ideas about what to point out to your child as you help him develop his listening skills.
School Time!
Posted on January 25 2012, 6:12:30 PM | Posted by volunteer
When your child enters preschool, you have the perfect opportunity to develop on-going teamwork with teachers and school personnel. This is the time to bring your positive attitude and support, which will continue throughout your child’s education.
Building your Child’s Bilingual Skills
Posted on January 25 2012, 6:11:28 PM | Posted by volunteer
Parents look forward to sharing their love, values, culture and language with their young children. If a family uses two languages, they may hope their children will communicate comfortably in both languages. They might want their children to learn one language for school and another for home, or one language for the community and another for the family. There is much a parent can do to promote language learning within the child’s environment.
Building your Child’s Conversational Skills
Posted on January 25 2012, 6:10:34 PM | Posted by volunteer
In order to help your child build conversation skills, you will want to teach your child to pay attention. One way you can be sure you have the attention of a hearing-impaired child, especially one who is just beginning to develop language skills, is to establish eye contact - even if it is only for a moment. From these fleeting glances, you will be able to build eye contact as a part of social conversation.
Preparing for Preschool
Posted on January 25 2012, 5:50:20 PM | Posted by volunteer
Your child is old enough for preschool! The first step is making a decision about how, when and where your little one will attend. Begin by considering your youngster’s communication skills. Think about what concepts and vocabulary your child knows and what skills you are hoping will be achieved next. Think about what you feel is needed in a program and what the professionals working with your child have recommended as important to focus on now.
Let’s Sing!
Posted on January 19 2012, 4:29:31 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Music and singing bring people together. We sing for birthdays, religious or secular celebrations, and we sing just to have fun. Using our voices in song is an important part of life. This is true for your child who has a hearing loss, too. Not only is it fun, but it's beneficial!
Including Siblings
Posted on January 19 2012, 4:26:29 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Family life is always busy. Although you are devoting time and energy to your child with a hearing loss, you want to be available for your other children, too. Each child needs to feel like a valued member of the family. Your positive and loving attitude along with some special moments will keep them well-adjusted and confident about themselves.
Busy Parents, Caring for your Child and You
Posted on January 11 2012, 5:59:58 PM | Posted by jtcweb
After reading this, a parent will be able to:
- Discuss simple strategies for obtaining family support.
- Describe everyday conversations for language learning.
- Suggest strategies for caregivers’ communication.