Verbal or Sign? Which is best?

     I've probably blogged on this, but I wanted to take the time to do it again (pardon me if I've already blogged on this)...This dilemma of whether a child should be made to talk or made to sign shouldn't even be here! Simply put, a child can't be made to talk or sign. I'll share my own story (short and sweet) as related to me by Mom.
     When I was a child and going through the process of learning (my mom had recently found out I was deaf), she asked a doctor his opinion on whether I should be a signer or a talker. His advice was this-teach him some basic signs and converse with him through signs. When he gets his hearing aids, begin talking, and let him make his own choice. Fast forward 33 years later and I am a successful oral deaf educator.
     I say this to say that each child has to make his/her own choice. If they choose sign, they will. If not, they won't. Same thing with talking. Next time you come across this question, make sure you advise them to give their child the best of everything and let them make their own choices. My mom did that for me, and the outcome has paid off greatly.

Body Language and DHH

     I've been meaning to blog on this for a while, just haven't gotten around to it; in fact, I've forgotten the original question I received from a teacher leading up to this. Anyway, it has to do with how people with hearing loss are excellent at reading body language in lieu of limited access to speech.
     As teachers of students with hearing loss, it's imperative to watch your body language when teaching them...You may be telling your students that nothing is impossible for them with your words, but your body language gives away your lie. From that point, you've lost your students' faith in you. You, as a teacher, really are a vessel of encouragement and hope for your kids-sometimes you are THE vessel...putting you solely at the helm of the motivation ship all of your kids ride on.