Encourage Flexible Language Learning in Children Who Are Deaf and Harding Of Hearing

When is the best time to buy a trampoline? Spring time.
Last week, I began my therapy sessions by showing the kids a metal spring or coil. I received puzzled looks and questions. Auditory Verbal therapy is conversational so together we talked, listened, and learned, about multiple meanings of the word spring. Little ones heard about the season of spring while older listeners learned additional meanings.

Children that are deaf and hard of hearing may struggle to increase their vocabulary because of weak auditory memory, difficulty with auditory comprehension, and lack of exposure. 

A goal for the kids is to become flexible language users.
Over time we want them to:
➼ use synonyms for tired words like BIG - huge, gigantic, large, giant, enormous, jumbo…
➼ know that four-legged pets are not only DOGS - but collies, goldendoodles, labrador retrievers…
➼ talk about kinds of CARS - police cars, race cars, convertibles, mini-vans, SUVs…
➼ use figurative language and expressions - Spring Fever, Spring into action… 

Take a U-Turn

Take a U-Turn is a line of seasonal games that encourages flexible thinking, and expands vocabulary and descriptive language. It helps kids grow their vocabulary rather than getting stuck in a rut using the same words over and over again.

The object of the game is to get your opponent to say the TARGET word at the top of the card, without saying any of the words listed underneath. These words are banned. 

It's not as easy as it sounds, especially when you can't say any of the most obvious or first-choice descriptors. So Take A U-Turnto not get stuck in a rut of overused words. 

The Take a U-Turn hint card provides vocabulary support and helps players think of other ways to convey the message.

Five No-Prep Take a U-Turn Games
Spring - Summer - Fall - Winter - Valentine's Day
 Each game includes:
✧ 24 Beautiful seasonal game cards
✧ 2 Game decks - easy and advanced levels of play
✧ Digital and printable game decks
✧ Listening and Spoken Language Tips