Teachers do a lot for their students. You spend hours making lesson plans, coordinate exciting field trips to the Tulsa Geoscience Center and even run afterschool programs. If you teach kids with hearing loss, you may have a few more things to think about.
Globally, 34 million children live with some form of hearing loss. Let’s look at how teaching kids with hearing loss differs and some practical strategies you can use in your classroom to ensure every child feels valued and included.
How Is Teaching Kids With Hearing Loss Different?
Kids with hearing loss need a lot of the same things as kids without, including support, understanding and clear lesson plans. But they may also need a few additional things, including but not limited to:
- Hearing aid support
- Extra time on assignments
- One-on-one attention
- A classroom aide or ASL interpreter
How Can I Make Sure Students With Hearing Loss Feel Supported?
Your school will likely coordinate a sign language interpreter or aide for kids who need them. In that case, just make sure the aide has room to sit or stand to help the student. You can also help them by creating an effective listening environment. Try a few of the following:
- Reduce classroom noise. Background noise makes it harder for children with hearing loss to follow along. Close the door during lessons, turn off unnecessary equipment and establish quiet routines whenever possible.
- Speak naturally. Slowing down or exaggerating your words is tempting, but that often makes speech less clear. Children who rely on lip reading benefit most when you speak at your normal pace and enunciate naturally. If something isn’t understood the first time, just repeat it calmly.
- Always face the students. Visual cues are key for kids with hearing loss. Facing the class ensures your words carry in the right direction and allows children to see your facial expressions. If you’re writing on the board, pause your explanation and resume when facing the room again.
If necessary, offer your students with hearing loss one-on-one tutoring or extra time on their assignments. When the school year begins, ask their parents to give you a tutorial on the student’s hearing aids so you’re prepared if they stop working during the day.
For more information on helping students with hearing loss, contact Eastern Oklahoma Ear Nose and Throat – Yale Office today.