Molly Augustine

Molly Augustine

Children with language and hearing disorders face challenges when they move into new classrooms or schools.

The result can be poor academic performance and a sense of social isolation.

Molly Augustine, a speech language pathologist at UT Dallas’ Callier Center for Communication Disorders, says parents, teachers and other children can help minimize difficulties.

She recommends following these tips:

  • Talk to children face to face and on their level. This helps children know you are talking to them and helps you better understand what they are communicating.
  • Slow your rate of speech. Give the children more time to process what you are saying.
  • Simplify your language. Use shorter, simpler but grammatically correct phrases to aid comprehension.
  • Give only one or two directions at a time.  This can improve understanding and encourage participation.
  • Use visual information. Pictures, facial expressions, gestures or simple drawings aid understanding.
  • Seat the child close to the teacher. This helps children pay attention and hear what has been said.
  • Give the child enough time to respond. After asking a child a question or giving directions, wait 5 to 10 seconds. Children with language and hearing disorders sometimes need more time to process what is being said.
  • Provide structure and routine as much as possible. This helps children visualize and anticipate what is expected during the day.
  • Provide warnings before transitions. Go to the child and say that you are about to move on to a new activity.
  • Give the child a job. Assigning responsibilities aids attention. Children thrive when they feel needed.