BLUFFING? - Never Have I Ever… For Kids That Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

I screen-shared the Never Have I Ever infographic from MaMa.Hu.Hears in teletherapy last week. I used it as a Tic-Tac-Toe game board. The activity was an amazing springboard as I guide students in learning about the negative effects of BLUFFING or pretending to understand especially to be part of a group.

MaMa.Hu.Hears shared the strategies she uses to optimize her hearing for successful participation in spoken conversations. She recommends:⠀

• Reduce environmental noise.⠀

• Utilize a remote mic. ⠀ ⠀

• Ask for repetition or clarification.

• Situate yourself to optimize visual cues

• Practice self-care so that you are not plagued by listening fatigue.

Are you interested in resources to teach students how to become the BOSS OF THEIR HEARING LOSS or learn SELF ADVOCACY STRATEGIES? Look no further. ⬇️

Illinois Cochlear implant Chapter of HLAA

HLAA’s Illinois Cochlear Implant Chapter (ICIC) is dissolving effective January 31, 2021, after 35+ years of serving the greater Chicagoland area in supporting and educating cochlear implant recipients, potential CI recipients, and their families. We encourage all ICIC members to maintain or establish membership with HLAA National at www.hearingloss.org for the myriad resources and information they provide.

We are proud of our years of service to the hearing loss community and grateful for the dedicated leadership and support provided by HLAA National. The personal and professional relationships forged with our hundreds of members and speakers over the decades are treasured, as are the experiences shared at annual HLAA conventions and Walk4Hearings. I am grateful to have had the honor to present to the chapter over the years.

Best Speech and Language Websites for 2021

Thank you Kidmunicate
I'm honored to be recognized again in 2021, in the 7th annual list of the
Best Speech & Language websites, and as the only audiologist.

100 + Speech and Language Website
This is a rich resource at our fingertips
Be sure to visit many of my friend’s and colleague's websites.

Christmas Countdown 10 Days of Listening and Spoken Language Tips For Kids That Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Kids love counting down the days until Christmas day. Many families use Advent calendars, paper chains, or add cotton balls to Santa's beard. Use these 10-day tips to grow Listening and Spoken Language while making the most of this exciting season.

The 10 Days of Listening and Spoken Language Tips are ready to download and share with families or post on social media in my Listen With Lynn TpT store.

Topics by the day
➼ Day 10 - Listen First
➼ Day 9 - Spatial Concepts
➼ Day 8 - Minding My Manners
➼ Day 7 - Get Moving
➼ Day 6 - Hide and Seek
➼ Day 5 - Be Descriptive
➼ Day 4 - A Reason to Listen & Talk
➼ Day 3 - Auditory Memory
➼ Day 2 - Engage in Conversation
➼ Day 1 - Hands-on Learning

◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈
Additional Winter - themed resources
Listen & Draw Directions Holiday Trees
WINTER Auditory Comprehension Listen Search & Find Digital Hearing Loss
Winter Flip & Switch – A Listening and Spoken Language Game
Listen & Draw Snowmen
Snowflake Warm-Up Game
Winter READY TO GO! Auditory Skills
Winter Idioms Say What? I'm All Ears
Jokes & Riddles for December

Everything Old Is New Again - Holiday Toy Catalogs

Sooner or later, everything old is new again. When I was in college, I heard over and over that the therapy materials do not make a successful session. Case in point. I vividly recall on two occasions, walking into my well planned therapy session when my clinical supervisor snatched my games, books or toys and in exchange handed a roll of Lifesavers. The following year on a second occasion a catalog from the Speech and Hearing Clinic’s waiting room became my lesson materials.

That’s when the rubber hit the road for me. Yes, a pun - as I was at the University of Akron in Ohio, which was known as the Rubber Capital of the World back then with it’s tire manufacturers headquarters such as Firestone, Goodrich and Goodyear. Once, I got over the initial shock, I found out that I was knowledgeable, flexible and if I say so myself I led two amazing listening and language-rich sessions with practical ideas for the parents to implement at home.

I have been using toy catalogs in my LSL auditory verbal therapy sessions and with a couple of children with auditory processing needs this December. Due to Covid-19, all my sessions are virtual. Walmart and Target toy catalogs are online and were easily screen shared in teletherapy. I picked up two Learning Express catalogs and dropped one off at a little listener’s home. This was a terrific barrier game using the computer screen.

We targeted a wide range of goals including functions, attributes, categories, compare/contrasting, persuasion, and perspective-taking. The kids have had a blast and the parents have been thrilled with easy home carryover ideas! Grab a toy catalog to talk and walk through this holiday season. Go on an I Spy Catalog Scavenger Hunt and make a wish and gift lists together.

I am learning new vocabulary too – the new fangled toys today are crazy these days!

Check out some other winter-themed resources for listening and spoken language lessons and sessions.
Listen & Draw Directions Holiday Trees
Winter Flip & Switch – A Listening and Spoken Language Game
Listen & Draw Snowmen
Snowflake Warm-Up Game
Winter READY TO GO! Auditory Skills
Winter Idioms Say What? I'm All Ears
Jokes & Riddles for December