Conversation Starters for Strong Theory of Mind (ToM) Developmen

Hearing First has a free download of a simple list of conversation starters and a topic to focus on with open-ended thinking and feeling comments and questions that will help your child develop the skills of understanding the meaning behind actions and events and recognizing the perspectives of others in social interactions. Click HERE.


Use this list of conversation starters and continue helping in the development of your Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) learner’s social skills, emotional connections, and understanding today!

New Listening and Spoken language Auditory Verbal Certification Requirements

If you are looking to pursue Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) Auditory Verbal certification check out the new AG Bell Academy requirements related to the certification process for candidates.
According to AG Bell, all changes are found in July 2017 versions of the following documents on the Academy website:
Click here for a summary of all changes.
We appreciate the time and commitment of the AG Bell Academy Board and the Mentoring Taskforce to the growth in knowledge and skill of each professional pursing LSL certification and the enhancement of the LSL certification process all with the expectation of improving the LSL outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

 Thank you to these Hearing First members who are members of the AG Bell Academy Board:
 M.S., LSLS Cert. AVEd, Board Chair
Emma Rushbrooke, M.Phil (Audiology), B.A. Dip Aud, MAudSa, LSLS Cert. AVT, RNC,  Board Chair-Elect
M.S., Cert. AVEd, Immediate Past Board Chair
 M.S., LSLS Cert. AVEd
Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, J.D., CFRE
, M.S., LSLS Cert. AVEd
Ulrika Lofkvist, Ph.D., LSLS Cert. AVEd, M.Sc.
 Ph.D., LSLS Cert. AVT
Ted Meyer, M.D., Ph.D.
Lee Rech, J.D.
, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT 
 Ph.D., CED, LSLS Cert. AVEd
 And the Mentoring Task Force:
 LSLS Cert. AVT, Task Force Chair
Rollen Cooper, M.S., LSLS Cert. AVEd
, MSP, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Sherri Fickenscher, M.S., LSLS Cert. AVEd
 M.A. CCC-SLP. LSLS Cert. AVT

Secrets of the Apple Tree:




Secrets of the Apple Tree: A Shine-a-light Book 

by Carron Brown . Alyssa Nassner

Perfect for toddlers and pre-school kids learning to listen and talk, the Shine Light books are more than just ordinary picture books. Don’t forget to grab a flashlight! Because these books will reveal “secrets” or hidden photos when you shine the light from your flashlight on the pages. Who lives in the apple tree? Shine a light behind the page and see...from worms wriggling among the roots to birds nesting high in the branches, the hidden wonders of this amazing habitat are revealed.


Auditory Hierarchy Minimal Pair Cards

Have you seen this new resource for working on (or collecting data on) auditory discrimination that was recently published by my friend and colleague Kristine Ratliff? It includes colorful and engaging 228 minimal pair cards differing by sound feature. The minimal pair cards were designed using the Auditory Discrimination Hierarchy known as the Listening Ladder created by Dave Sindrey, M.Cl.Sc., LSLS Cert. AVT. 

The hierarchy begins at level 1, with sounds differing by duration, intensity and pitch. It progresses by difficulty though ten steps, ending with discrimination of words with final consonants differing by place of articulation.


I downloaded my minimal pair cards on my iPad so they are easily accessible and it saves on ink and printing.