What it is
	  
An area of student need, involving attentive listening comprehension skills amongst background noise/conversations and/or processing to understand information given orally.
Teaching Strategies
	
	
Instructional
	•	Use prescribed FM system or Sound field system.
•	Develop alternative programming goals to teach the student active listening, comprehensions skills and self-advocacy.
•	Use the student’s name or a visual signal to prompt listening attention before speaking.
•	Use a visual signal for class to stop and listen, before giving instructions.
•	Use questioning to check for student’s understanding.
•	Pair oral instructions with visual, especially for new vocabulary and letter patterns/rhymes.
•	Provide copies of notes so that the student  can focus attention on listening and understanding during lessons.
•	Ensure adequate volume in the class; repeat questions/comments of soft spoken students.
•	Reward the student for extra efforts in concentrating on oral information.
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Environmental
	•	Minimize background noise. A good strategy is to place tennis balls on chair legs.
•	Have students wait to be acknowledged before allowing them to contribute to classroom discussions.
•	Provide physical break/change of activities after periods of concentration on oral information.
•	Use a visual schedule.
•	Post written copies of information that is provided orally (eg, a class calendar).
•	Use preferential seating, so that the student is at the front of the class and/or close to the speaker.
	
Assessment
	•	Provide extra time.
•	Provide a quiet environment.
•	Ensure understanding of test instructions.
•	Provide written copies of assignment instructions and rubrics.
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