TEACHING THE DEAF

1. Do not assume that deaf students have the same

experiences and backgrounds as hearing students. Rather,
encourage all of the students to share their experiences
related to the topic being discussed.
2. Involve deaf students in a wide variety of experiences
including people and objects.
3. Always use visual materials to support
communication/discussions, especially Powerpoint slides,
overhead projections, smartboards, or the basic white
board.
4. Multiple visual demands:
a. Give one source of visual information at a time.
5. Give the students sufficient time to complete their tasks.
6. Make eye contact with students while teaching

7. Wave at the students to get their attention. Set up an

agreement with the class on how they will also gently help
each other know when you want complete attention.
8. Reply directly to students' questions.
9. Ask students questions to encourage participation in class.
10.
Have students participate in the classroom by
replying to the questions, giving reports, and volunteering
for presentations.
11.
Circulate among the students while they perform
their tasks.
12.
Hands-on activities are critical, but minds-on
activities even more so.
13.
Write important announcements on the board to keep
students informed (assignments, deadlines, tests/quizzes,
class instructions, and procedural changes).
14.
In advance, give students the lesson/activity outline
along with the objectives.
15.
End each class with a written summary of the most
important "big ideas" from that session.
16. Bring

role models with disabilities to the class.