language zone | Strategic & Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI)

The Language Zone: Differentiating writing instruction for students who are deaf and hard of hearing

By Susannah FinleyPosted on November 13, 2018Posted in Research Journal ArticlesTagged ASL, grammar, interactive, language delay/deprivation, language zone, linguistic/metalinguistic, written language

Interactive Writing is a powerful support for language and literacy development; however, its emphasis on using oral language to construct written language can present challenges for deaf students due to their unique and diverse language experiences. Teachers (n = 14) using Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI) in grades 3–5 were observed using a space […]

School as a site for natural language learning

By Susannah FinleyPosted on November 11, 2018Posted in Book ChaptersTagged apprenticeship, ASL, interaction, language delay/deprivation, language zone, linguistic/metalinguistic

According to the sociocultural perspective of language development, language learning is a by-product of communication that is meaningful. For deaf students, who often have limited access to communication at home, it becomes more essential that their school provides a rich communicative environment. Meaningful interaction is a powerful motivating force in human development and learning. When […]