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Reading and sharing books, whether spoken, signed, or both is an important way to help children to develop language, grow their vocabulary and learn about the world around them.

The following websites provide tips for reading with deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children:

• Exploring books with Deaf children www.booktrust.org.uk
• Tips for reading with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children www.thesapling.co.nz
• Reading SOS: How do I, as a hearing parent, read aloud with my deaf child? Video
• The storytime section on Turi TV provides access to a great selection of picture books in NZSL, with the added benefit of helping both children and their whanau learn NZSL.

Not only do books help children develop language, but they are often referred to as windows because they can provide children a view into the lives, ideas and experiences of others. This can help children understand the world around them, while also developing empathy and understanding. They can also help children understand that people can have their own thoughts, feelings and perspectives, and to recognise that these may be different from their own (Theory of Mind).

Books can also be mirrors because they can portray stories, characters and experiences that the reader can see themselves in. This can be particularly important for children who may not often see themselves reflected in mainstream media.

Books with Deaf characters can be more relatable and engaging for DHH children. They can see themselves reflected in the characters or situations and can show them that their stories and perspectives matter. This can help build self-esteem, foster a sense of belonging, and strengthen identity. In older children, it can also spark conversations about identity, culture and personal experiences.

Students who receive support from Ko Taku Reo can access books that feature DHH characters via the school's eBook platform, Sora (contact your child's teacher for more information).

Alternatively, the following picture books are available online, and can be accessed by anyone:

• Jake and Jasmine to the Rescue / Liam the Superhero / The elephant in the room
• Mellie Goes to Preschool
• Mellie and her Cochlear Implants
• Ali Gets Hearing Aids
• Chloe Gets Cochlear Implants
• Going to the Hearing Clinic
• Different is beautiful / Along came a strawberry /The present / Isipho-the Gift / Sibu goes to school / Gogo will be Okay

• Oliver Gets Hearing Aids
• Oscar's Hearing Adventure

References:
Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors by Rudine Sims Bishop (1990).
https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf

Using Texts as Mirrors: The Power of Readers Seeing Themselves by Amy J. Heineke, Aimee Papola-Ellis, Joseph Elliott (2022) https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/trtr.2139
Theory of Mind Development in Children with Hearing Loss by Stacy Crouse (2020) https://www.stacycrouse.com/post/theory-of-mind-development-in-children-with-hearing-loss

Sharon Phillips
Library Manager