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Classrooms
often move at a fast pace. Making sure that the deaf or hard
of hearing child has access to everything that is going on will
be of the utmost importance. Here are some considerations that
may help facilitate communication in the classroom. Many of these
strategies which make the classroom a more visual environment,
will be helpful for all of the children in the classroom.
For all deaf or hard of hearing students
- The student should have a clear view of the faces of the teacher
and the other students.
- Do not seat the student facing bright lights or
windows where a glare or strong backlighting will make it difficult
to see the faces of others.
- Remember that the best place for a deaf or hard
of hearing student may change with the teaching situation. Make
sure the student feels free to move about the room for ease of
communication.
For students depending on spoken language communication
- When possible, seat the student close to the teacher's
desk for the best listening and viewing advantage.
- Familiarize yourself with how to check a child's
hearing aid.
- Do not exaggerate mouth movements or shout, this
may cause distortion of the message through the hearing aid and
cause greater difficulty the student
- If communication breakdowns occur, try repair
strategies such as rephrasing the message, saying it at a slower
pace, or writing the message when appropriate.
For students depending on visual communication
- Try to remove "visual noise" (visual
interference) from communication situations ( i.e.: bottle on
table, door open, paper in hand while signing, jewelry of signer,
overhead projector in the way)
- When a sign language interpreter is being used
in the classroom make sure the interpreter has an opportunity
to complete the message before moving on to the next point.
Facilitating classroom discussions
- When possible, have students sit in a circle.
- Remind students to speak one at a time.
- Point to the student who will speak next. Wait
for the deaf or hard of hearing student to locate the speaker.
DOs that will help deaf or hard of hearing students
- DO use as many visual aids as possible. Use written
instructions and summaries, and write key words and concepts
on the blackboard. Utilize captioned films when possible.
- DO use attention-getting techniques when they
are needed: touch the student lightly on the shoulder, wave your
hands, or flash the lights in the classroom.
- DO set up a buddy system to help deaf or hard
of hearing students with note taking, clarifying assignments,
etc.
- DO ask questions and spend individual time with
deaf or hard of hearing students periodically to make sure they
are following the instructions.
DON'Ts to Keep in Mind
- DON'T change the topic of conversation quickly
without letting the deaf or hard of hearing students know that
the topic has changed.
- DON'T talk with your back to the class, your face
obstructed by a book, or with a pencil in your mouth.
- DON'T call attention to misunderstandings or speech
errors in front of the class. If this becomes a problem, discuss
it with the child' family or other support personnel who may
be working with the child.
Developed by: Debra
Nussbaum, Audiologist, Kendall Demonstration Elementary
School.
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