Supporting children with hearing loss or Developmental Language Disorder using the Kodaly approach

15.30–16.30 | 16.45 – 17.45

Supporting children with hearing loss or Developmental Language Disorder using the Kodaly approach

Delivered by Alec Thompson-Miller, Paul Whittaker, and supported by staff from Sunnybank School’s Language Support Provision group and Aberdeen School for the Deaf

This session draws on learnings from three innovative projects:

(i) NYCoS’ ‘Loving Learning Through Music’ project from August 2021 to March 2022, funded by The Robertson Trust, and during this session, focusing particularly on the collaboration with Aberdeen School for the Deaf and one of Aberdeen City Council’s Language Support Provision Service groups at Sunnybank Primary School; ACC’s Language Support Provision Service is run by a partnership of Sunnybank Primary School, Dyce Primary School, ACC’s ASN and Outreach Services, and NHS Grampian.

(ii) Follow-on project with Sunnybank School’s Language Support Provision group and Aberdeen School for the Deaf from April to October 2022, led by ACE Voices in association with NYCoS, and funded by The Cares Family’s Multiplier programme.

(iii) Paul Whittaker’s continuing BSL/Signed Singing work at Aberdeen School for the Deaf/Sunnybank School from April 2022 onwards.

Some of the main themes that will be covered include:

(i) What is NYCoS’ ‘Loving Learning Through Music’ project?

(ii) What are Developmental Language Disorder and Aberdeen City Council’s Language Support Provision Service?

(iii) What is Aberdeen School for the Deaf, and what does it mean to have hearing loss in this community?

(iv) Why are Sunnybank School’s Language Support Provision group and Aberdeen School for the Deaf so important?

(v) How does the Kodaly approach support the holistic development of children and staff within these communities?

(vi) Reflections from Paul Whittaker about his experiences as part of the ‘Loving Learning Through Music’ team.

(vii) What wider insights came to light during the course of the project e.g. relationship-building, laughter and heartfelt listening, drama, COVID impacts, youth/practitioner/staff leadership, BSL, trauma-informed practice, and other themes?

(viii) What are our plans for development from August to October, in particular the role of outdoor play/forest school, involving new partners, and celebrating International Developmental Language Disorder Day?

There will be opportunities to join in with practical activities developed during the above projects as part of the session, and Alec, Paul and members of staff from Sunnybank School’s Language Support Provision group will be more than happy to answer any further questions after the session too.