Increasing Engagement of Children Who Are DHH During Parent–Child Storybook Reading

Abstract

Children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) are at risk for language and literacy delays, and parent–child book reading can contribute to developing early literacy foundations. Although many parents read with their children, some parents may be unsure how to utilize effective reading strategies to maximize literacy growth. This multiple case pilot study involved four mothers of preschool-age children with hearing loss who used listening and spoken language (LSL) as their mode of communication. After a short training session on strategies to promote child engagement and increased child interaction during storybook reading, results showed parents increased their use of engaging questions, along with a statistically significant increase in each child’s expressive contribution to the reading activity. Retention data indicated sustained parent reading behaviors that promoted child engagement. Providing parents with supported training may help parents implement effective reading strategies to promote literacy growth in young children who are DHH.