Deaf Friendly Teaching Checklist

Do you have the pupils' attention before you start talking?
Do you speak clearly, at your normal pace and avoid shouting and whispering?
Do you make sure that your face is clearly seen and use gesture and facial expressions to help pupils understand what you are saying?
Do you encourage pupils to speak one at a time and raise their hand before speaking?
Do you repeat or rephrase what you have said if a deaf pupil has not understood?
Do you make sure activities which require listening and taking notes are kept to a minimum and provide support for pupils to ensure their access?

Environment

Have you made sure that the classroom /area is as acoustically friendly as possible?
Do you make sure that there is good lighting and that your face is not in shadow?
Do you make sure that you face a pupil when talking and allow an adequate distance for lip-reading purposes?
Do you make sure that you don't carry on talking when facing away from the pupil?
Do you make good use of the OHP, interactive whiteboard or powerpoint so that you can use visual backup and still face the class?
Do you make sure that when you are giving important information the deaf pupil has a good view of you?
Do you make sure a deaf pupil is not seated near noisy equipment or next to an open window?

Teaching

Do you write key words, topic headings or questions on a board or OHP?
Do you give context to what you are saying by using visual aids?
Do you allow time for a deaf pupil to look at a visual clue or demonstration before you start talking again?
Do you cue in pupils when there is going to be a new topic of conversation so that they can understand the context?
Do you manage the contributions of pupils in class so that the deaf pupil can also play a full and equal part?
Do you use the FM system - if one has been supplied?