Reading with children who are deaf or hard of hearing

Reading is part of everyday life, whether it's books, recipes, or street signs. For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, developing strong language skills can take extra time and exposure. In fact, they may need to hear or see a word up to 60 times more than their hearing peers to fully learn it.

 

One of the most powerful ways to support this learning is through reading. You can begin reading to your child from birth. Even just a few minutes a day—several times throughout the day—can make a big difference. It helps your child build vocabulary, strengthens communication, and supports a strong bond between you and your child.

 

Reading Tips by Age and Stage

Infants & Toddlers:

• Start with simple board books that include textures, flaps, and songs. Use expressive tones and exaggerated animal sounds (like “mooooo!”) to keep your child engaged.

• Let children look at the pictures and turn the pages as they grow.

Preschoolers & Beyond:

• Begin pointing to and naming objects in the pictures.

• As your child learns letters, trace the words with your finger and highlight letters they recognize.

• Encourage your child to “read” the story, even if the words aren’t perfect—this builds confidence and interest.

 

Tips for reading with children who learn through spoken language

• Make sure your child can see your mouth and hands while you read. Try different positions—on their tummy or back, in a high chair, or on your lap.

• Use repetition, facial expressions, and animated voices to bring the story to life.

• You don’t need to read every word. Focus on talking about the pictures, actions, and what your child notices on the page.

• As your child develops, encourage them to turn pages, recognize letters, and answer questions about the story. You can also model curiosity by asking and answering your own questions.

 

Tips for reading with children who learn through sign language *Adapted from The Shared Reading Project at Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University

• Choose a book that you both like.

• Ensure that your child can see the book and your face.

• Read the text on the page and add to it.

• Discuss pictures.

• Talk about the story.

• Ask questions about the story.

• Connect the book to real life experiences.

• Have your child predict what will happen next.

• Be willing to act out the characters and the story.

• It’s ok if you don’t know the sign. Act it out, use a gesture, or point to the pictures.

• Re-read the story.

• Involve your child. Let them turn the pages, point to pictures, or “read” the pictures.

 

For additional tips for reading to deaf or hard of hearing children using ASL, check out 15 Principles for Reading to Deaf Children.

 

REMEMBER: The more you read, the more language your child is exposed to—and the stronger their communication skills become. For children with hearing loss, regular reading is essential for supporting overall language development.

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