26 guidelines for teaching language
Children can help with these activities
Children can be very helpful. Usually brothers,
sisters, and other friends of a deaf child learn sign
language very quickly. As much as possible, let
children take part in these activities.
Younger children can join the activities and
older children can be teachers if you show
them what to do. They can also teach a deaf
child other skills and include him in their
play. This will help him make friends and
learn how to behave with others. This will
also help the children who can hear learn
about deafness and how to communicate
with deaf children.
Older children are often
natural teachers, and
enjoy doing activities with
younger children.
Suggestions for helping your child learn
Let your child take the lead
Children are most eager to learn when they are doing something they
like. If your child seems interested in something, or likes to play with a
special toy, make that an opportunity to help her communicate or learn.
Did you
find a new
game?
Let your child take the lead.
It will keep her interested and
help her learn that her decisions
are important. She will know
that she has some control over
what happens. This is especially
important for girls. In many
places, girls are expected to be
quiet and to follow instructions.
Helping a girl make decisions
and follow her own ideas can
strengthen her confidence and
abilities.
But just because you let your child take the lead does not mean you
allow her to act badly or get into dangerous situations. Your guidance is
important. And the knowledge you have about her language needs and
abilities can help you guide her play so that she will learn.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)