110 learning to use a spoken language
How to encourage your child to begin using words
If your child has difficulty hearing speech sounds, he can learn to watch
your lips to give him clues about how to say these words himself. It is
important to remember, though, that many sounds look the same on the
lips.
1. Encourage children to use words when playing. Sit in front of the
child in good light and show him something that interests him, like
a favorite toy. Encourage him to watch your lips move as you say the
name of the toy. Repeat the same word several times.
2. Have the child try to copy you.
A ball! Is that
my ball? It is a
very nice ball.
Can
you say
‘ball’?
Ball.
Be sure to speak clearly and in a natural
way. This will help your child read the
lips of other people saying the same
thing.
3. Sit with the child in front of a mirror,
so she can see both of your faces. Show
her an object. Say the name of the
object, and then have her copy you.
Shoe.
4. Repeat these steps with different words,
especially ones that name things your
child is interested in at the moment.
Soo!
Your child is not going to say words exactly
right. Remember, she cannot hear exactly how
the words are supposed to sound. At first, you may not even be able to
understand what word she is saying. But praise her for trying, and do
not be too anxious about having your child say words clearly.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)