Writing as a Tool for Teaching Grammar to Children with Hearing Impairments

Writing can be a very effective way for children with hearing difficulties to learn grammar.

Why writing helps

1. Visual reinforcement: Kids who are hard-of-hearing often rely more on visual input. Writing lets them see the words, sentence structures, and punctuation, which reinforces grammar rules.

2. Slower processing: Writing allows them to take their time to think about sentence structure, word forms, and grammar, unlike speaking, which is faster.

3. Self-correction: When writing, children can see errors and gradually correct them, helping them internalize grammar rules.

4. Integration of reading and writing: Reading exposes them to proper grammar; writing lets them practice using it actively, which strengthens learning.

How to make writing exercises effective

• Use visual aids: Charts, sentence diagrams, and color-coded grammar cues can help children identify nouns, verbs, tenses, etc.

• Start small: Short sentences or simple story prompts make grammar practice less overwhelming.

• Model correct sentences: Show examples of proper grammar before asking them to write.

• Interactive activities: Fill-in-the-blank exercises, matching games, or sentence-building apps can make grammar practice fun.

• Feedback and encouragement: Gently correct mistakes and celebrate improvements to build confidence.

Why Rest Matters

Rest Helps the Brain Learn

After working hard (studying, listening, practicing skills, therapy, or sports), the brain needs downtime to:

• Process what was learned

• Strengthen memory (including auditory memory)

• Make new connections

Without rest, learning doesn’t stick as well.

 Rest Restores Energy

Hard work uses physical and mental energy. Rest helps:

• Reduce fatigue

• Improve focus and attention

• Prevent burnout and frustration

Rest Improves Emotions and Motivation

When kids don’t get enough rest, they may feel:

• Irritable or overwhelmed

• Less motivated to try again

• More easily frustrated

Rest helps reset mood and confidence.

Balance Builds Healthy Habits

Learning to balance work + rest teaches:

• Self-care

• Time management

• Long-term success

This is especially important for growing brains.

What Counts as Rest?

Rest doesn’t always mean sleep (though sleep is very important!). It can include:

• Quiet play

• Reading or drawing

• Listening to music

• Taking a short break

• Being outside

• Simply doing nothing for a few minutes

A Simple Rule

Work hard → rest → return refreshed.
Short breaks often help kids do better than pushing nonstop.

How Singing Helps Improve Auditory Memory For Children Who Are Hard of Hearing

What Is Auditory Memory?

Auditory memory is the ability to hear, remember, and understand sounds and words. It helps children:

• Follow directions

• Learn new vocabulary

• Understand stories

• Develop reading and language skills

For children who are hard of hearing, auditory memory may take more effort—but it can be strengthened with the right activities.

Why Singing Is So Helpful

Singing supports auditory memory by combining sound, rhythm, repetition, and meaning—all skills that help the brain learn and remember language.

1. Repetition Builds Memory

Songs repeat words and phrases, helping kids remember sounds and store information in memory.

2. Melody Makes Words Easier to Remember

Melody and rhythm organize language, making it easier to recall words later—even better than spoken sentences.

3. Rhythm Supports Listening Skills

Rhythm helps children notice:

• Word order

• Language patterns

• Timing and pauses

These skills support comprehension and memory.

4. Singing Slows Language Down

Music naturally slows speech, giving children time to hear each word clearly and process sounds.

5. Multisensory Learning Strengthens Memory

When children sing, they often:

• Watch mouth movements

• Use gestures or sign

• Move their bodies

Using hearing + vision + movement together makes learning stronger.

Tips for Singing at Home

You don’t need to be a great singer—your child just needs your voice and attention.

Sing the same songs often

Use simple songs with clear words
Add gestures or signs
Pause and let your child fill in a word
Sing during routines (clean-up, bath time, bedtime)

Short, frequent singing moments work best.

Good Song Choices

• Nursery rhymes

• Action songs (If You’re Happy and You Know It)

• Repetitive songs (Old MacDonald Had a Farm)

• Routine songs (This Is the Way We Wash Our Hands)

At-Home Singing & Auditory Memory Activities

Try these fun practices:

1. Fill-in-the-Blank Songs
Pause before a word your child knows and let them fill it in.
Example: “Twinkle, twinkle little ___.”

2. Echo Singing
You sing a short line—your child repeats it back.
Start with 1–2 words and grow from there.

3. Action + Song Memory
Add movements (clap, jump, point).
Encourage your child to remember both words AND actions.

4. Song Order Game
Change a line on purpose and ask, “Is that right?”
This helps listening accuracy and sequencing.

5. Daily Routine Songs
Create songs for daily tasks like:

• Clean-up time

• Hand washing

• Getting dressed

• Bedtime

Helpful Links & Resources for Parents

Trusted Organizations

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Info on hearing loss & child development
  https://www.asha.org/ ASHA

• Hands & Voices – Non-biased family support & tips
  https://www.handsandvoices.org/ Hands & Voices

• CDC Parent Resources on Hearing Loss – Guides, links, and support info
  https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss-children/communication-resources/links-to-other-resources-on-hearing-loss.html CDC

• Listen and Talk – Listening & spoken language support program
  https://listenandtalk.org/ Listen and Talk

Book Recommendations

For Parents

• It Takes Two to Talk — Practical listening & language strategies

• Listen and Talk — Supports auditory skill development

• Parenting a Child with Hearing Loss — A comprehensive family guide

For Children (Great for Singing & Rhythm)

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

• Pete the Cat series

(Consider also children’s books featuring diverse hearing experiences: Maxi’s Super Ears, My Dawg Koa, and Listen: How Evelyn Glennie Changed Percussion.) Wikipedia

Tip: Sing or chant repeated text instead of just reading it.

YouTube Channels for Singing & Auditory Learning

(Preview and adjust volume as needed.)

• Super Simple Songs – Clear, repetitive children’s songs
  https://www.youtube.com/@SuperSimpleSongs SharpSchool

• Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel – Music for memory & sequencing
  https://www.youtube.com/@JackHartmann SharpSchool

• Miss Rachel – Toddler Learning Videos – Language-focused singing
  https://www.youtube.com/@msrachel SharpSchool+1

• Bounce Patrol – Upbeat repetitive songs
  Search Bounce Patrol on YouTube SharpSchool

Professional Support

Ask your child’s:

• Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) about specific auditory memory goals

• Audiologist about optimizing hearing devices for music and listening

• Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TOD) for personalized strategies

Remember

Singing is fun and motivating
It builds listening and memory skills naturally
Short, joyful moments work best
Your voice, connection, and consistency matter most

Singing together strengthens your child’s auditory memory—and your bond, too!

Oral Motor Exercise Guide for Parents

Fun ways to help your child strengthen lips, tongue, and mouth muscles for clearer speech!

🕓 How Often?

Complete ___ repetitions of each exercise, ___ times a day (as recommended).

Hold each position for 5–10 seconds, then relax.

Encourage your child to do them in front of a mirror — make it fun!

👄 Lip Exercises

1. Big Mouth Stretch
   💋 Open your mouth as wide as you can, hold 5–10 seconds, then close.
2. Lip Squeeze
   💋 Press your lips together tightly, hold 5–10 seconds, then relax.
3. Lip Pucker
   💋 Pucker your lips tightly, like for a kiss, hold 5–10 seconds, then relax.
4. Big Smile
   😀 Smile as wide as you can, hold 5–10 seconds, then relax.
5. Pucker–Smile Alternation
   😀 Alternate between a big pucker and a wide smile: pucker → smile → pucker. Hold each for a few seconds.

👅 Tongue Exercises

1. Tongue Out
   👅 Stick your tongue out as far as possible, hold 5–10 seconds, then pull back.
2. Side-to-Side Stretch
   ↔️ Stick your tongue out to the left, then right. Hold each for 5–10 seconds.
3. Up and Down Stretch
   ⬆️👅 ⬇️ Move tongue up toward your nose, then down toward your chin.
4. Side-to-Side Movement
   😜 Move your tongue side to side, touching each mouth corner.
5. Tongue Circles (Inside Mouth)
   👅 🔁 Move your tongue in a circle inside your mouth (between teeth and lips).
   👅 ➡️ Halfway through, switch directions!
6. Tongue Circles (Outside Mouth)
   👅 🌀 Circle your tongue around your lips “licking lips.” Change directions halfway.
7. Roof Swipe
   👅 Swipe your tongue from behind your teeth along the roof of your mouth, from front teeth to back of mouth.

 👅 Tongue Depressor Exercises

1. Press Up
   🔼 Stick out tongue, place depressor on top, press up, hold 5–10 seconds.
2. Press Down
   🔽 Place depressor under tongue, press down, hold 5–10 seconds.
3. Press Left
   ⬅️ Place depressor on left side of tongue, press against it, hold 5–10 seconds.
4. Press Right
   ➡️ Place depressor on right side, press against it, hold 5–10 seconds.

😊 Cheek Exercises

1. Cheek Puff
   🫧 Puff both cheeks full of air and hold for 5–10 seconds, then release.
2. Cheek Puff Switch
   ↔️ Move the air from one cheek to the other without letting it escape your lips.
3. Cheek Suck-In
   😯 Suck your cheeks in tightly, making a “fish face.” Hold for 5–10 seconds.
4. Blowing Practice
   🎈Blow through a straw, blow bubbles, or pretend to blow out birthday candles.
5. Cheek Resistance
   🪄 Puff your cheeks and have someone gently press on them while you keep the air in. Hold for 5–10 seconds. 

💡 Tips for Parents

🪞 Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth move.
🎵 Turn exercises into a game or song.
⭐ Praise effort, not perfection — consistency matters most!
🦷 Try during daily routines (after brushing teeth, before bedtime).

 Questions?

Contact your Speech Pathologist for guidance or to adjust the routine.

Tips For Teaching Students Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing - Guidelines for Effective Communication in the Classroom & Beyond

GETTING ATTENTION

Gently tap the student’s shoulder, wave, or use a visual cue before speaking.

CHECK ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Ensure the student has access to their hearing aid or cochlear implant.

Confirm that any FM system or assistive listening device is properly connected.

Keep microphones or transmitters close to your voice source for sound clarity.

INTRODUCE THE TOPIC

Let the student know what subject or topic you're discussing so they can follow.

HOW TO SPEAK EFFECTIVELY

Face the student directly. Even a slight turn of your head can make lip-reading difficult.

Keep your mouth visible - avoid covering it with hands, objects, or facial hair.

Speak slowly and clearly - don’t yell or over-exaggerate.

Use short, simple sentences when possible.

MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT

Eye contact helps with connection and understanding - speak directly to the student.

LIGHTING MATTERS

Avoid standing in front of bright lights or windows - shadows make lip reading hard.

IF THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND

Repeat once, then rephrase if needed.

Don’t hesitate to use paper, pencil, or digital tools to clarify.

USE NON-VERBAL CUES

Gestures, facial expressions, and body language keep communication engaging.

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Ask open-ended questions instead of yes/no to confirm understanding.

SEATING TIPS

Seat the students where they can clearly see the speaker’s face.

VOCABULARY & CONTENT SUPPORT

Provide new vocabulary in advance whenever possible.

Share lecture outlines or scripts ahead of time.

AVOID TALKING WHILE WRITING

Don’t talk with your back turned - explain after writing or using visuals.

WRITE IMPORTANT INFO

Write down key announcements or special assignments.

SLOW THE PACE

Speak a bit more slowly and allow extra time for students to ask or answer questions.

REPEAT QUESTIONS

If someone asks a question, repeat it aloud so everyone can follow.

 

Remember: The goal is inclusion and understanding, not perfection.

Be patient, flexible, and open to using multiple methods to communicate.