Posts by mgerardo
Assessing Expressive Language
Assessing Expressive Language A Language Sample 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…
Read MoreAsking About Acoustic Highlighting
Asking About Acoustic Highlighting What is Acoustic Highlighting? Acoustic highlighting is a technique used to heighten awareness of specific speech sounds. A sound or a sound in a word or phrase becomes highlighted when it is slightly emphasized. This technique can be used in any spoken language throughout the world. Children with hearing loss who are…
Read MoreAdvancing Auditory Abilities of New Listeners
Advancing Auditory Abilities of New Listeners Parents anxiously await their child’s responses to sound when he gets hearing aids or cochlear implants. The process of learning to listen takes experience and time. Families are an essential part of that process. They use everyday occurrences to enjoy exploring sounds with their child. Parents can pause, expect…
Read MoreWe’re Going on Vacation
We’re Going on Vacation Any time is a good time to enjoy a trip to visit relatives, to see an historical place, or to explore a different country. No matter where you go, your little preschooler who is deaf or hard of hearing will want to be included in all the fun. What can you…
Read MoreThirty-Two Terrific Tasks for Preschool Language Fun
Thirty-Two Terrific Tasks for Preschool Language Fun Parents can involve their young child with hearing loss in varied activities to encourage communication and thinking. When a child is engaged in interesting experiences, he has many reasons to listen and use language. Conversations can include expressions a child knows and introduce new concepts to nurture curiosity.…
Read MoreTechnology With Tots
Technology With Tots Young children with hearing loss learn language best through meaningful interactions with others. When they are involved and interested, their language can be strengthened. Young children are intrigued by cell phones, computers, remotes, tablets, GPS, calculators and other mobile technology. Parents can use their personal devices to encourage their child’s language learning.…
Read MoreStrengthening Social Skills for Special Days
Strengthening Social Skills for Special Days Holidays and special events are wonderful times for a child with hearing loss to delight in different experiences and discover new language. Anticipation begins as he helps with preparations and then his awareness grows as he participates. When parents guide a child to be involved in a parade, festival,…
Read MoreLiteracy Everyday Everywhere
Literacy Everyday Everywhere Literacy begins at infancy. Singing, talking, playing, and laughing with babies nurtures communication. Stories, rhymes, books, games, and songs build early language. A child learns to understand language (spoken and/or sign) and then uses language to learn. Language is the foundation for literacy. Families of children with hearing loss can create emerging…
Read MoreLet’s Sing
Let’s Sing 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! …
Read MoreLearning to Listen Through Sound Fun
Learning to Listen Through Sound Fun Parents help children expand their listening skills by pointing out sounds. Toys, animals, actions, vehicles and other sounds can be explored when they occur. Families can also identify different sounds for their child to notice in their daily routine. Therapists may suggest specific sounds for listening experience. The list…
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