By Constance Katasse with an introduction by Daisy Cartwright

How can we help a deaf or hard of hearing child learn English? This is a recurring question for parents, teachers, and deaf adults. Deaf people themselves are so bombarded with the importance of learning English that the result is that they sometimes become scared to use it. This fear can be debilitating, especially for deaf children.

The difference in the way deaf and hearing people learn the English language is profound. Hearing people learn new words incidentally and without paying attention. They can wash dishes or drive a car, all the while listening to the radio. Deaf and hard of hearing people have to make an effort; they have to function as proactive learners. After they wash dishes or drive a car, then they may choose to pick up and read a book or magazine. Continue Reading

Reading is the process of decoding the written word. In order to be able to read, one must first have a language base.

The Aural/Oral Child: Reading Process and Common Gaps

The aural/oral child, the one who depends on listening abilities and uses speech, will use a combination of phonics and sight words when reading. Reading is probably one of the only times that they are having complete access to their language: every phoneme, every word presented in clear and distinct print. However, because the reading does not necessarily reflect their own experience of the language, their seemingly fluent reading can be quite deceiving. Continue Reading