Building Strong Bilingual Skills in English and ASL
“How can I encourage ASL and English bilingualism for my deaf or hard-of-hearing child?” One of the best ways to learn languages is through storytelling. This inclusive reading list is here to support you on that journey. Each book on this list features deaf characters and comes with an ASL read-aloud video to create a bilingual experience.
Visit your local library, bookstore, or browse online to grab a copy! Read the book to your child in spoken English, and then watch the ASL read-along video together. These ASL read-along videos are a perfect example of accessible media—content that includes both sign language interpretation and captions. Accessible media benefits deaf individuals of all ages by providing clear communication for learning information. At Inclusive Communication Services, we specialize in crafting accessible videos for local tours, museums, schools, and training.
For parents (and ASL students), this is a fantastic way to practice your own receptive ASL skills while encouraging your child to sign along. For your wonderful deaf or hard-of-hearing child, these stories provide characters they can truly relate to.
By experiencing the same story in two languages separately, you’re helping to cultivate your child’s bilingualism, opening the door to stronger communication and deeper connection. The stories below are perfect for elementary-age readers.
1. Boy
by Phil Cummings and Shane Devries
Video: ASL Read Aloud
Description: The king’s battles with the dragon were always mighty and loud. Boy lived in silence and couldn’t hear the fighting. But Boy could see the fear around him… and how everyone would be much happier without it.
2. Moses Goes to a Concert (Series)
by Isaac Millman
Video: ASL Read Aloud
Description: Moses and his school friends are deaf, but like most children, they have a lot to say. Today, Moses and his classmates are going to a concert. Their teacher, Mr. Samuels has two surprises in store for them, to make this particular concert a special event.
We also love: Moses Goes to School
3. My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do
by Tanesha Ausby
Video: ASL Read Aloud
Description: This story features a young deaf girl and her hearing friend who convey a tale about the misunderstandings of people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This book helps readers to clearly understand that deaf people can do the same tasks that others can do.
4. Ranvir Cannot Hear
by Genevieve Yusuf and Shermain Philip
Video: ASL Read Aloud
Description: Ranvir Cannot Hear is a magical story set in the plains of India and is about a little elephant who goes on a long journey in search of his hearing. On his travels he meets some wonderful friends along the way who can’t do certain things but tell him about the things that they can! Ranvir even finds out he has a special talent too.
5. Shayla Boo and You: All About My Hearing Book (Series)
by Vielka Montout
Video: ASL Read Aloud
Description: Shayla Boo is an 8 year old girl with bilateral hearing loss. She is friendly, funny, and a great athlete. She wants to share all about her hearing loss with you. Shayla explains her hearing loss, anatomy of the ear and how to read an audiogram.
We also love: Shayla Boo and You go to the Zoo
6. Sometimes I Like the Quiet (Series)
by Kelly Brakenhoff and Theresa Murray
Video: ASL Read Aloud
Description: Duke the Deaf Dog doesn’t want to miss any fun.But working hard all day to watch and listen to people makes him feel tired. Sometimes he needs a break. Learn along with Duke how to recognize his feelings and ask for help.
We also love: Farts Make Noise
7. What the Jackdaw Saw
by Julia Donaldson
Video: British Sign Language BSL Read Aloud
Description: Poor jackdaw is about to fly into trouble – will he learn to read the animals’ signs in time? Created in collaboration with a group of deaf students during a workshop hosted by the Life & Deaf Association.
Empowering Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Kids
Empowering your deaf or hard-of-hearing child to develop language skills in both English and ASL starts with providing exposure to both languages. We curated this specific list because, at Inclusive Communication Services, we value representation and the impact of seeing oneself in media. Be sure to stay tuned for next week’s blog, where we’ll wrap up Deaf Awareness Month with resources for finding signed entertainment for your deaf and hard-of-hearing kids! In the meantime, sign up for the Inclusive Newsletter so our newest blogs land in your inbox.
