Archive for January, 2009

Literacy Benefits Of ‘Sign To Read’ Programme

Thursday, January 29th, 2009

Kindermusik, the New Jersey version of Dublin’s Gymboree, ClapHandies or Little Larks, is introducing a Sign To Read programme for summer 2009. The multi-sensory reading programme uses signs to support reading skills on the basis that finger-spelling benefits literacy in children of all abilities. For English language learners, children with sensory issues ...

Johnny the Bagger

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

For those of you who like a good, heartfelt story, this is for you.  It's the story of Johnny, an adult with Down syndrome who has touched many people's lives in his hometown...by bagging groceries! Although the music is a bit cheesy, this Simple Truths of Service Movie by Ken Blanchard ...

Free See and Learn Cards

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Down Syndrome Education International has received a grant to offer for free to parents parts of their See and Learn Language and Reading Programme.  They've posted at least the first 3 steps to this system and have downloadable cards for you to print and use at home with your child.  ...

DeafHear Information Weekend Feb 27 - March 1

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

DeafHear’s Information Weekend for families with newly-diagnosed deaf children is from February 27 to March 1, at the Heritage Hotel in Portlaoise. This annual weekend fills up very quickly but a profile of the 2008 event is on the DeafHear website.  Queries can be directed to DeafHear if wished. Separately, DeafHear has launched a Newborn ...

Baby Books & Flash Cards For Language Teaching

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

The Usborne book range recently came to my attention, with a big bonus: free postage for books ordered by email from the representative in Ireland. The “Baby’s First Flashcards” product would be excellent for language work at home, while being fun for babies and parents to look at and hold. Infants from 3 months ...

J-Fest Mid-Term Adventure Camp February 18-21

Friday, January 16th, 2009

The J-Fest Mid-Term Adventure Camp is on from February 18 to 21, at St Joseph’s School, Cabra, with activities for deaf kids of 10 to 15 years of age. At just EUR 50 for four days of swimming, football, horse-riding and other activities, the residential camp is aimed at pupils from ...

Tips For Visual Teaching At Primary Level

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

Clear presentation of information in classrooms benefits a cross-section of pupils, including deaf children and learners of English as a second language. The challenge for teachers (classroom & resource) is to translate curriculum material into a classroom-friendly version to suit a range of abilities. Classroom displays are one way to do this. Visual ...

County Library To Host IDK Photo Exhibition

Saturday, January 3rd, 2009

The Kids “In Action” Photo Exhibition from Irish Deaf Kids will be hosted by County Library in Tallaght, Dublin 24, from January 9th to 31st. The exhibition contains 15 photographs of children “in action” taken by camera enthusiasts of all ages around the country. Some excellent shots from children aged eleven and ...