Hearing loss ranges from partial to total deafness. Some children can hear better with a hearing aid, cochlear implant, or FM system. Others cannot. Hearing loss may last only a short time, or it may never go away. Some children are born with hearing loss. Others develop it later in life. These factors affect the challenges your child will face in learning to read.

Tips for reading with your infant or toddler

Each time you read to your child, you are helping his or her brain to develop. So read to your child every day. Choose books that you think your child will enjoy. Books that rhyme or repeat the same sound are good for helping your child learn the sounds letters and words make.

Since younger children have short attention spans, try reading for a few minutes at a time at first. Then build up the time you read together. Your child will soon see reading time as fun time!

Here are some things you can try:

• Read the same story again and again. This will help your child catch words he may have missed before. Explain the story as needed.
• Make sure your child can see your face and the pictures. This will help your child follow the story, even if he doesn’t catch all the words.
• Have your child turn pages, touch the pictures, and lift the flaps. This will give your child practice using his hands, which gets him ready to sign.
• Use simple sign language as you read.

 

Here are some things you can try:

• Explain the story using hand gestures and facial gestures. 
• Help your child follow the story, even if he doesn’t catch all the words, take your time, don’t rush.
• Use stuffed animals to act out the story.
• Continue to teach your child to sign.
• Here are a few recommendations of excellent books Charlie would like to share with you:

• Suggested books for your infant

  Choose board books with simple signs. Some titles include:

  • Baby Signs, by Joy Allen
  • My First Book of Sign Language, by Joan Holub
  • Books by Annie Kubler, such as My First Signs and Sign and Sing Along: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

  Suggested books for your toddler

  • Books by Anthony Lewis, such as Meal Time, My First Animal Signs, and Play Time