LITERACY
FHSR focuses on literacy for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children. Reading drives language acquisition and enhances every child’s overall development. Our goal is to apply our unique knowledge of DHH education to support early literacy and pre-literacy skills. By creating a strong literacy base for DHH children, we aim to help them develop to their fullest potential.
FHSR stepping forward to set a new standard of care in supporting the education of DHH children in Illinois. Our initiatives include trainings for parents, caregivers and Early Intervention professionals and a unique book scholarship that allows parents and caregivers to receive a free book each quarter from a vetted list of titles featuring characters with hearing loss, assistive devices and communication modes that mirror their child’s identity. Below, you can view resources and recommendations and access our Education Coordinator for more information.
The biggest hurdle to our kids accepting their equipment is the feeling of “Yes, this is part of who I am – this is important.” That can be hard when you don’t see anyone else that also has [hearing loss] as a part of them. Any time that we can get free books into families hands is great – but the fact that all these books feature characters with hearing loss and different types of equipment is really big.
– Tonya, Teacher of the Deaf and Development Therapist of Hearing
Join us for this free workshop for parents and caregivers, designed to foster confidence in story-sharing and literacy development.
FHSR is partnering with Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) to present a workshop for parents and caregivers, focusing on the power of reading and language in the home. The research-based curriculum supports all communication modes and will include methodology, instruction, and hands-on practice related to early literacy and story-sharing skills. With this, parents will become better equipped to support their child and using books to create a language-rich environment within the home.
This workshop is geared for parents with children 2-5 years old.
You probably know that it is important to get an early start on reading with DHH children and that early reading contributes to increased vocabulary, language development, and print awareness. But families report that they are often at a loss when figuring out how to read with their children with hearing loss.
With this curriculum, we can contribute to a new generation of DHH readers and better support early language and literacy milestones.
Each family that attends will be able to get a set of 4 books with characters with hearing loss.
During this workshop, your children will be able to attend an onsite Music To My Ears class with our Early Childhood music partner, The Merit School of Music. Age appropriate siblings are welcome.
This information-packed in person workshop will be offered:
Saturday, November 16, 2024
9am -11am
Chicago Hearing Society Office
2017 N. Mendell, Suite 3NE, Chicago, 60614
New Parent Resource Downloads Now Available!
Developed by Dr. Anna Tess our Education Coordinator, our Education Resources deliver valuable insights and information.
- The Parent Resource Guide (available in English and Spanish) has information about parent rights, the IEP process, accommodation and modifications for children with hearing loss and 504 plans.
- The Early Literacy Guide provides strategies and information to help you read with your child.
LITERACY BLOGS
FHSR is committed to the gift of literacy and the importance of reading for children with hearing loss on their life trajectory. To support your family in your literacy journey, the Foundation has partnered with Chicago Hearing Society to create blogs about reading to DHH children and helping your child learn to read on their own.
BE A PART OF IT ALL.
Share the joy of literacy with a child.
Your donation to the EARS (education, advocacy, resources) Literacy Program is critical to bringing our services and programs to the children who need them most.
