Reading & Language
Because deaf children don’t hear the words spoken around them, reading is an essential way to extend their vocabulary and teach the use of language.
Literacy for deaf infants is the ability to read print, as in written letters for learning English, new concepts and gaining knowledge. Regardless of how a child communicates, their early-years learning needs to include print letters.
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!
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Please send all feedback to info@irishdeafkids.ie .