Week 11

Socialization with Peers

Deaf or hard of hearing students often have difficulty socializing and making friends with their peers.  In order to help with this situation, I would make sure to address the issue at the beginning of the year.  I would want to inform the whole classroom about hearing losses - if the student wants.  I would let the student have the opportunity to talk about their hearing loss and maybe show their hearing aids, or CIs to the class.  I would share with the class some suggestions on how to best interact with the student.  This way the students are all aware of the student with a hearing loss needs and hopefully it will improve the socialization aspect.  In regards to making friends I would encourage the student to interact with other students as much as possible.  I would make sure the student with a hearing loss hears everything the students they are playing with are saying.  If the student does something that is not okay when socializing I would stop them and explain to them that it is not okay and what they need to do to fi it.  I would encourage the student to tell their peers when they need something repeated. 

Communication with Parents

Communicating with parents is very important.  What are some ways to communicate and is there a better way than another?  There are many ways in which a teacher can communicate with parents.  One way is by email.  In the beginning of the year the parent should receive the teachers email so they know they contact the teacher with comments, questions, or concerns.  Another way is through phone.   The teacher may give the parents the option of contacting them through their personal phone.  Another option with the phone is through texting. If the teacher and parent have a close relationship they may decide on texting because it is quick and easy.  Another possible way for communicating is by sending home information or notes with the student.  This should be used with caution because the parent may never go through the student's backpack or the student may do something with the note before the parent gets the chance to see it. 
When it comes to which option of communication is the best, it all depends on the people involved.  I think it should be established early on how the parent wants to be contacted.  For very important things I think there should always be an email sent so there is evidence of contact happening.  But overall I think it depends on how the people want to be contacted.