#TogetherThursday

#TogetherThursday is a weekly resource blog that was created by CA Hands & Voices Advisory Board Member Leslie Manjarrez out of the early shelter in place period.
This blog is tailored to highlight free resources and topics to parents of Deaf/Hard of Hearing children through videos, articles, links to further reading, activities and more. #TogetherThursday has grown to feature monthly themes that have included Deaf Awareness, School Readiness, Deaf LGBTQ+, and Seasonal DHH supports.

Please reach out to suggest future topics, resources and individuals to feature! Contact us: IG/FB or email.

Ms. Leslie looks forward to hearing from you!

 


Hello Friends,

        Hands &  Voices is supporting you and your child on your journey!

This week on #TogetherThursday, as summer continues to unfold, there is the topic of “Summer Learning”

What is “Summer Learning”?

Unlike “Traditional” learning or schooling, or other structured supports that are possible with sitting down and studying, such as reading, writing, math etc, “Summer learning” is a new take on ensuring that your child uses the great skills they learned throughout the year and applies them!

  • Scholastic has put together some great integrations for students in grades K-8th grade: Link 

The Key Take aways are embedding learning into everyday summer activities such as talking about a “beach activity budget” for snacks at the corner store of the boardwalk or counting how many stops the bus has to make on the map to the park from home.

  • Some other, more structured examples of this can be found here for all ages for older students that might be taking algebra or need more decoding support made into games:  Link

What fun integrated Summer Learning are you planning on doing with your child?

Together, We Can,

Ms. Leslie

Hello Friends,

      Hands &  Voices is supporting you and your child on your journey, wherever that may take you.

This week on #TogetherThursday, lets discuss some literature selections, but this time for parents and caregivers.

While there are so many fantastic books for children, we also should take some time to look at how we can make sure that you feel connected to each other as parents.

  • One recommendation that is always made for me to share as a professional to parents is “The Silent Garden”(available in Spanish and English):  Link
  • For perspectives on Deaf culture and ASL, SignOn has the following recommendations:  Link

Many different books about Deafness, Deafhood and Deaf culture

  • For parents who are looking more into an exploration of one parent on an Auditory/Oral/Cochlear Implant journey there is the following book: Link

What book recommendations do you have for other parents on this journey?

Together, We Can,

Ms. Leslie

Hello Friends,

      Hands &  Voices is supporting you and your child on your journey, wherever that may take you.

This week on #TogetherThursday, lets loop back to intersectionality, but from a different lens.

June is Pride Month in a few different places including the U.S.

Here is a WONDERFUL resource that is titled, “An age-by-age guide to talking to your kids about gender” that starts from age 0-3 and extends into early teens:  Link

I think my favorite quote/takeaway so far is-”Saying “Everyone’s equal” isn’t nearly as useful as statements like “It used to be that women weren’t allowed to do certain jobs, but today women can do any job, and we’re glad about that” or “Some people say that boys shouldn’t cry, but in our family we know that it’s healthy to feel your feelings.” Tying statements to your family’s values with this language helps kids to focus on your messages above those they receive through media or classmates, because they feel invested in your family.”

What if your child has thoughts or feelings that are new for you and your family?

Here is an article from the Mayo Clinic: Link

Finally, what does this mean for your DHH child overall? Are there resources? We have touched on being Deaf AND another identity, and good news friends, there are resources out there for you and your child: Link

Everything from Deaf Queer Resources to Organizations based on culture/racial identities and more.

If you’d like to learn more about the Deaf Queer Resource Center: Link

Shine Bright friends, Summer has started and its beautiful. Share any resources or helpful tips you’d like below.

Together, We Can,

Ms. Leslie

Hello Friends,

      Hands &  Voices is supporting you and your child on your journey, wherever that may take you.

This week on #TogetherThursday, lets talk about Summer plans!

What things are you looking forward to as we move into warm weather?

Beach activities and Devices! What tips and tricks do you have for families?

  • Here is some tips about protecting hearing aids:  Link
  • Here is a blog from a parent about CI wear at the beach: Link
  •  See a fun ASL Story about the beach here: Link

How about some camping? Planning a trip or hoping to sign up for a camp for your child?

  • Check out the list of camps that may be available in the summer time: Link

(Some may have an online component this year if that’s what you’re looking for this summer as well!)

  • Here is a blog written by an adult who is Deaf with tips about how to prepare for camping: Link

What fun things are you looking forward to with your family?

Please share below!

Together, We Can,

Ms. Leslie

Hello Friends,

      Hands &  Voices is supporting you and your child on your journey, wherever that may take you.

This week on #TogetherThursday, lets check in about transitions!

During this year, and as we approach a break, how do we support our children through transitions? 

  • For our youngest friends: Key Take Aways-Establishing Routines supports daily transitions and helps with building independence!  Link
  • Key Take Aways-Working toward how and when saying goodbye as part of the routine in drop offs, pick ups and bigger transitions can support social emotional growth  Link 
  • For our school age friends: Key Take Aways-Taking the time to “Preview” and have choice is important with school age friends! Anticipating transitions of all kinds will help with their growth and independence over time and with understanding their own needs Link 
  • For our older crowd: Key Take Aways-Consider having a high school age child do a self-reflection project with key questions-What is important to them? What do they want to achieve? What and How do they want to achieve that/those goals? What kinds of supports will they need along the way? Link

What do you do in your home to support transitions big and small? In both the daily routine and in life?

Please share below!

Together, We Can,

Ms. Leslie