LISTENING-LANGUAGE-LITERACY CONNECTION!

Thank you for tuning in to learn more about the LISTENING-LANGUAGE-LITERACY CONNECTION!  This will be the last post in this series.  Below I talk about actions that you, as a parent can take now to provide additional listening opportunities for your loved one.  It has been so much fun sharing this information with you!  Hope to see you soon!

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So here’s the good news…WE CAN CHANGE THE WAY THE AUDITORY CENTERS OF THE BRAIN MAKE CONNECTIONS

As a parent, actions you can take immediately include:

  1. Listen to Music: The full accessibility of music is only available through listening.   This is true even for children with peripheral hearing loss.  Listening to music helps children develop a sense of rhythm and pitch.  If resources are not a problem, consider music classes.  The benefits of singing, dancing, or instrumental music can not be underestimated when it comes to listening, language, and brain development.
  2. Make life an opera!  Sing what you say.  It’s easier to understand changes in pitch in song than in speech.  Try it!  When your child repeats the word you sang, their speech will be clearer.  Encourage older children to memorize the lyrics to their favorite songs.  This will help with the development of auditory memory.
  3. Encourage your child to engage in sports or martial arts.  Physical activity requires controlled timing.  There is a strong correlation between timing and the development of speech, language, and reading. 
  4. Read-Read-Read!  It is often more valuable to share a book than read a book.  “If I were a penguin, I think I’d _____!  What would you do?”
  5. Consider having your child evaluated for a Central Auditory Processing Disorder. Early intervention is powerful!  Although some tests can not be performed until a child is 6 or 7, there are measurements for auditory processing that can be performed on children as young as 3 ½ or 4.  Following an evaluation, The Hearing Teacher, L3C will provide you with tools and a treatment plan to help your child grow into an independent learner!  Give us a call today at 734-395-7908 or email us at [email protected].