Background: Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by impaired memory span, particularly auditory verbal memory span. Memory span is linked developmentally to several language capabilities, and may be a basic capacity that enables language learning. If children with DS had better memory span, they might benefit more from language intervention. The…

Auditory processing disorder (APD) describes a mixed and poorly understood listening problem characterised by poor speech perception, especially in challenging environments. APD may include an inherited component, and this may be major, but studies reviewed here of children with long-term otitis media with effusion (OME) provide strong evidence…

Earobics[R] is interactive software that provides students in pre-K through third grade with individual, systematic instruction in early literacy skills as students interact with animated characters. Earobics[R] Foundations is the version for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade. Earobics[R] Connections is for second and third graders…

The study investigated the effects of auditory training within a musical context on 12 severely to profoundly hearing-impaired preschoolers' use of residual hearing. A significant improvement was found in the children's ability to discriminate and recognize auditory stimuli. However, the lowest level in the hierarchy of auditory perception,…

To clarify the confusion of beginning reading teachers and linguists about goals and procedures of auditory training, this article introduces precise instruction terminology. (MH)

The ability of native English (NE) and native Chinese (NC) speakers to identify and discriminate the mid-versus the lowtone contrast in Thai was investigated before and after auditory training. The variables under investigation were first language background and the interstimulus interval (ISI) of the presentation (500 ms vs. 1500 ms). The NC…

Listed are definitions of auditory processes (such as auditory discrimination, auditory memory, and auditory perception) and suggestions for improving auditory skills. (JYC)

This article suggests a variety of ways in which the teacher and the parent can foster and develop good listening skills in children. (CS)

This investigation dealt with the development and evaluation of both a music dictation test (PRM78 Dictation Test) and a sightsinging test (CSS76 Criterion Sightsinging Test). It was hoped that the dictation test could eventually be developed to serve as an adequate replacement for the latter. Thirteen samples participated in this project--7…

This article, excerpted from "Storytelling: Art and Technique," describes the visual and auditory methods of learning stories. Guidelines are presented for learning a story, including suggestions about timing. This is followed by a discussion of the different methods of presentation with emphasis on seating arrangement, eye contact, and gesture.…

Meant to be attention-getters, the activities work on two principles: that children need an immediate and personal purpose in order to pay attention; and that listening should be an involving activity, that is, a child needs to listen in order to do something with what is heard. (Author/NQ)

Daily practice for 15-20 minutes of repeating series of numbers resulted in improvement in auditory, sequential memory for five 13-year-olds with moderate learning difficulties. Subjects in the control and placebo group also demonstrated progress. Experimental Subjects demonstrated greater increases over a two-year period. (CL)

Seven hearing impaired children (five to seven years old) assigned to the Speakers group made highly significant gains in speech production and auditory discrimination of speech, while Listeners made only slight speech production gains and no gains in auditory discrimination. Combined speech and auditory training was more effective than auditory…

Described is a eurhythmics program for hearing impaired primary, preteen and adolescent children using both structured and informal approaches. (DB)