All Aboard: Creating an Inclusive Classroom

3 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

Supporting Students with Special Needs

Page 9

Students with Hearing Loss

As an early childhood professional, at some point you may have a child in your classroom that is either hard of hearing or deaf. It is important to understand that hard of hearing means that the individual has a mild to moderate hearing loss and that individuals who are deaf have a profound hearing loss.

The following are some suggestions to assist students who have hearing loss:

Learn to Sign
If the student uses sign language it is beneficial to learn some of the basic signs in order to communicate effectively with them. Keep in mind that you are not expected to be fluent in sign language, but being able to communicate about the child’s basic needs is helpful when caring for them. There are many resources on the internet to help you learn and practice signing. Incorporating basic signs into the classroom can make it easier for the student to communicate with their classmates as well.

Less Distractions
Keep unnecessary or excessive noise to a minimum in the classroom for students that are hard of hearing. The distractions can cause them to have a harder time understanding and communicating with others which can cause the environment to be unpleasant for them.

Face the Student when Speaking
Wait for the student to look at you or tap them gently on the shoulder to get their attention. When they are looking at you then you can begin speaking or signing to the student. Make sure while you are communicating that you are facing the child and making eye contact. The child may need to read your lips making it important to speak slightly slower and with added emphasis.