Reading + Language

Reading aloud is a critical way for deaf infants to build their early vocabulary, to ensure understanding of new concepts and to teach language use from the earliest age.

Stronger literacy can be seen in deaf children who use spoken-language from birth. And this strengthened literacy in turn improves the childrens’ cognitive ability (Judith T. Lysaker, 2011). It’s a great combination before starting school.

Early Literacy

Literacy for deaf infants is the ability to read print, as in written letters for learning English, new concepts and gaining knowledge.

However a child communicates, their early-years learning must include print letters. Apps and e-books like the “Buddy Ears” app are great for reading and listening practice, while some parents like to use apps to record a child’s voice.

All children learn to read by putting letters into words, and learning what these words mean. Then they start to put these words into sentences. Deaf children are no exception, but may learn to read in a slightly different way. Teachers may also use a mix of methods to support their classwork.

These include:

Whole-word reading

This is a visual way of reading. The children first learn to read. Then they learn the words, their meaning, and how to pronounce & spell the words.

Structured reading

Preparation for reading a specific text can involve showing the children words and / or items that will be used or referred to in the text.

Afterwards, the children may do activities to help them understand the text. Alternatively, they may re-read the text on their own, or in groups.

Phonetic reading

The children learn to pronounce each letter of the alphabet. Then they learn to put these letters into words, and to say the letters in these words.

Recreational reading

Yes, there is such a thing! If your child has a favourite comic or fictional character/s, this material will encourage their reading in leisure time.

Age-appropriate subtitled TV programmes and DVDs are also brilliant for developing and reinforcing new reading and grammar skills.

Get your child to read everything, including cereal boxes, billboards, labels, text on cars and vans, anything really. Try to find humour to make it fun!