Hi there, teacher friend! 👋
Whether you’re brand new to teaching or just stepping into the world of Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) for the first time, welcome! You’re about to create something magical, a classroom where little ears and voices grow stronger every day. 🌟
I remember my first year in an LSL preschool classroom, feeling equal parts excited and overwhelmed. There were acronyms I didn’t know, strategies I hadn’t learned in school, and hearing devices that needed checking before I even had my first cup of coffee. ☕ But slowly, with the right tools and a whole lot of intentionality, I found my groove, and now I’m sharing my favorite tips and tricks with you on how to create a listening and spoken language preschool environment.
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🎧 First Things First: What Is an LSL Environment?
A Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) environment is one where children who are deaf or hard of hearing learn to listen and talk using their hearing devices. The focus is on giving kids access to rich language through hearing, and that starts with you and how you set up your classroom.
🔊 Tip #1: Listening Checks (Every. Single. Day.)
This one is non-negotiable. Kids can’t learn to listen if they can’t hear! Every morning, do a quick listening check on each child’s hearing device (hearing aids, cochlear implants, or BAHAs). I like to make this part of our morning routine. After the kids use the bathroom, I have them do a listening check with me. We go over the Ling Sounds (oo, ah, ee, sss, sh, mm, n-n-n, zzz, j, h-h-h). This lets me know that the child is getting access to the range of speech sounds with their devices on. If they are having trouble with a certain sound, I mark it on my listening tracker. If it is consistent, this is something I can bring up with their audiologist.
My trick: Use a little visual checklist at your door with the phrase:
👂 “Are your ears green or red?”
That’s preschool speak for are you wearing your hearing device, and is it working? Green means the batteries are on and working, red means the batteries are dead and we need new ones. This helps your students become more aware of their devices and build the self-advocacy skills to tell you if they need new batteries or not.
🎵 Tip #2: Use Songs with Purpose
Music is your superpower. Singing familiar songs like “Twinkle Twinkle” or “The Wheels on the Bus” helps children develop their ability to predict, repeat, and listen. I use a cleanup song to cue my students that we are done playing and it’s time to clean up. We use the same song every day, so it becomes a predictable part of our routine. Include songs during your circle time to practice the names of each student and start your day.
🎶 Want to level up? Pause before the last word in a song to let the kids fill in the blank.
“This is the way we brush our… (pause)” TEETH!
📚 Tip #3: Choose Books That Build Listening
Read-alouds are a goldmine for listening skills. Choose books with:
- Predictable patterns (like Brown Bear, Brown Bear)
- Repetition (like We’re Going on a Bear Hunt)
- Rich vocabulary and simple illustrations
Pro tip: Re-read the same book all week. Repetition is key for kids learning to listen. They’re not bored, they’re building connections.
🧩 Tip #4: Embed Language into Play
Centers, sensory bins, dramatic play, all of it is a chance for purposeful listening. Model new words, describe actions, and ask open-ended questions. Instead of “What color is that?” try:
🌈 “Tell me about the colors you’re using!”
I love to use themed vocabulary cards around the room. Visuals that match what we’re learning and help cue language.
👨👩👧👦 Tip #5: Partner with Families
Your secret weapon? Families. They know their child best. Help them support listening and language at home by:
- Sharing weekly vocabulary or phrases you’re using
- Modeling simple language strategies during drop-off/pick-up
- Creating a “Home Listening Tip” of the week
Even a quick “This week we’re working on the word under! Try hiding toys and saying ‘Look under the pillow!’” can go a long way.
🧠 Tip #6: Keep It Visual — But Auditory First
In an LSL setting, we want listening to lead, but visuals can support understanding. Use visuals to:
- Reinforce routines (like a visual schedule)
- Clarify vocabulary
- Cue comprehension, especially for new concepts
Just be sure to say it first and show it second.
💛 Final Thought: Progress Over Perfection
You are not going to get it all right every day. And that’s okay. Creating a listening and spoken language preschool environment takes time, intention, and a lot of trial and error. But the fact that you’re here, reading this, and learning? That already makes you an incredible teacher.
You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way. 🥰