Roy E Holcomb Distinguished Lecturer

Playing with Language through Rhyme & Rhythm with Deaf Children

Dr. Leala Holcomb

Rhyming and rhythmic spoken language is widespread in familial practices at home, children's television programs, and early childhood education. It is well documented that rhyme and rhythm increase young children’s engagement, executive functions, language awareness, vocabulary, and emergent literacy.

This presentation will introduce deaf ways of providing children access to rhyme and rhythm that capitalize on the linguistic and cultural benefits of sign language and deaf culture. At first glance, sign language rhyme and rhythm seem cute, simple, and fun, but they are packed with patterns that can be appreciated by children and adults alike.

Dr. Holcomb will discuss the history of sign language rhyme and rhythm, linguistic patterns in visual rhymes, musical patterns in visual rhythms, research on the benefits of sign language rhyme and rhythm, and creative ways to engage children in language play at home Come and join in the fun!

ThursdayJuly 13

BREAKFAST | 7:00 - 8:00 AM

WELCOME! | 8:30 - 8:45 AM

ASL CLASS | 8:45 - 9:15 AM ALL ALL

SESSION ONE | 9:30 - 11:00 AM

Morning Sessions

Parents/Professionals: Supporting Literacy Development for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Children at Home | Debra Trapani Youth Sessions run concurrently

SESSION TWO | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Parents/Professionals: SignUp | Mariella Satow Youth Sessions run concurrently

ASL CLASS | 12:15 AM - 12:30 PM