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.
Speaking with Your Speech Therapist
Posted on February 09 2012, 4:44:06 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Working closely with professionals can create a focused approach toward helping your child with hearing loss develop language skills. A combination of experts supporting each other’s efforts on behalf of your child creates an informed team. You, the parent, are an essential member of the team. You can be the link to and a partner in these services.
Speech and Spoken Language
Posted on February 09 2012, 4:40:11 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Your family has chosen the spoken language approach for your child with hearing loss. Professionals are always talking about the terms speech and language. Aren’t they the same? Not exactly. Although they are closely related, speech and language are different from one another. Parents who know the differences in those terms can recognize what a therapist or teacher might be emphasizing. If parents are aware of the components of speech and language, they can describe in greater detail what their children have achieved and find challenging. The whole family can learn what is involved in both speech and language and encourage the child’s progress.
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.
Simple Celebrations!
Posted on January 25 2012, 6:07:12 PM | Posted by volunteer
Your little one is celebrating a birthday! This can be a time to help your child with hearing loss gain new words and experiences. Whether you’re planning a party to mark your child’s special day, or just having a family gathering, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
Holidays and Cultural Celebrations
Posted on January 18 2012, 5:15:22 PM | Posted by jtcweb
Each season of the year brings with it special holidays and cultural celebrations. Naturally you want your child to enjoy the special occasions your family celebrates. Even more importantly, you want him to be involved. With some planning ahead, each new season, every holiday and occasion can be a fun-filled time for you and your little one.
Computers, It’s all about Talking!
Posted on January 17 2012, 7:31:08 PM | Posted by jtcweb
All young children want to play on the computer. It’s fun! And computer play is the perfect opportunity to talk to your child as you provide new language and help develop skills.
Fun in the Kitchen
Posted on January 12 2012, 11:52:56 AM | Posted by jtcweb
Young children love to “help” in the kitchen! And, with some planning, you can make cooking or baking a language-rich experience for your preschooler.
Assessing Expressive Language: A Language Sample
Posted on January 06 2012, 5:54:07 PM | Posted by jtcweb
A language sample is a record of the words your child says spontaneously. For this assessment, it does not matter if those words are clearly spoken. What your child says (expressive language) is more important than how clearly he is saying the words (speech). You can use a language sample to celebrate your child’s progress and to set future language goals.