How is preschool language related to reading in deaf children?
A team of researchers from the Ladder Lab and City, University of London have started an exciting new research project called the “Preschool Language and Literacy” study. The project is being run by Dr Fiona Kyle, Prof Ros Herman, Dr Katie Mason and Indie Beedie. Our main aim is to understand how preschool language and emerging literacy skills are related to later reading ability.
Why is this research important?
Some hearing children and many deaf children find learning to read challenging. It is therefore important to identify children who may struggle with reading BEFORE they start learning to read. Early identification will help ensure that children who need it have appropriate support as they begin learning to read.
What happens when a child takes part in the project?
We are conducting a two-year longitudinal study following a group of preschool hearing children and deaf children who use spoken language. We will assess them on a range of tasks measuring language, phonological and grammatical skills. The research team will administer these tests over three sort sessions each lasting about 20 minutes. We will then re-asses them in reception and year one. All assessments are child-friendly, age-appropriate and fun for children to complete.
Can you help us recruit children?
We are looking for deaf and hearing children who are 3 and 4 years old, use spoken language, and have no significant additional educational needs. We are keen for the sample to be as representative as possible and include deaf children in mainstream nurseries as well as those in units attached to schools.
If you are a parent, teacher, or other professional who would like their child or nursery to take part, or if you are looking for more information about the project, please contact us, or download our project flyer here
Dr Katie Mason and Indie Beedie
Division of Language & Communication Science
School of Health Sciences
City, University of London
Northampton Square
London EC1V 0HB
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 020 7040 0414
You can follow us on Twitter for research updates from this project and others @Ladder_Lab or visit our website: http://www.ladder-lab.com
