Have you heard of the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD)? It is an amazing school located in the Memphis area for profoundly deaf and hard-of-hearing children from birth to six years of age. At MOSD the children do not use sign language. They use speech. Through the use of language therapies and audiological services together with preschool classes, the students develop essential listening and spoken language skills.
One program in which the MOSD children participate is called “Discover Me.” This early childhood movement education program was created by Ms. Jamie Goldring, a teacher and speech pathologist with more than 30 years experience in the field. Through the “Discover Me” program, children actually learn the prerequisite skills that are necessary for learning, including self-control, focus, concentration, and effective listening. The students at MOSD have the opportunity to experience a “hands on” approach when learning these skills by participating in movement activities such as poses and balances that make these concepts more concrete and understandable.
Have you ever seen a group of preschoolers after they have been told to stand in a circle? They usually group together in each other’s space, and you typically hear, “he’s pushing me, or she’s in my spot!” Well, one concept that Ms. Goldring covered during a session was personal space. She explained the concept to the children by having them stand in a circle in what she called a “person-space” pattern. After the children were physically guided into a uniform circle with an arm’s length of space between each child, they were told to “touch and feel” the empty space between them. This clarified the abstract concept of “space” to the children. From then on, when the children were told to stand in a “person-space” pattern or line up in a “person-space” pattern, they know exactly what to do!
“Discover Me” is a great kinesthetic learning program that is appropriate for children with or without special learning needs. For more information about Jamie Goldring, her book, and “Discover Me” check out Jamie's website.
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