We ended the day with a practitioner-led panel discussion with #QTODs and #sltpeeps reflecting on key implications for practice - early language access, deaf role models, positive language. Lots of audience questions and contributions - watch this space for more info @BATOD_UK

Final talk by @DrFionaKyle who introduced our latest @DCAL_UCL longitudinal study, Understanding Reading Success, and how linked to our Preschool study. 135 deaf and 220 hearing 8-9 yr olds being followed for 2 yrs with @ros_herman @katerowley0 @botting_nikki @KatieCMason

Then @katerowley0 introduced the newly-developed BSL Comprehension Test (with @misterpr19810) Huge interest in the room for this valuable assessment which will be available soon - performance on the BSL Comprehension test strongly associated with Reading Comprehension ability

After lunch @MaireadMacS @misterpr1981 presented on role of visual language inputs in reading for deaf children - BSL, fingerspelling, speechreading. Introduced exciting new tests being developed to assess BSL phonological knowledge in deaf children - longitudinal study ends 2027

Final talk of the morning - @KatieCMason presented on the validity of using #GAPS to screen for grammatical difficulties in preschool deaf children using spoken language - high sensitivity/specificity in preschool and at the end of reception @ros_herman @DrFionaKyle

Next up was @DrFionaKyle presenting about home literacy environments in deaf children & emergent literacy: lots of reading activities happening! Child interest was critical for deaf children's emergent literacy - how do we increase child interest in reading? @KatieCMason

Then Prof @ros_herman presented on preschool spoken language outcomes in inclusive sample of deaf children - vocab & grammar, interesting discussion about morphology knowledge and how to improve it. Early exposure to an accessible language is critical @DrFionaKyle @KatieCMason

Starting off the day @DrFionaKyle gave an overview of the Preschool Language & Literacy study - a 3 year longitudinal study following 122 deaf and 113 hearing children from preschool to the end of year 2. This is a 4-wave multiwave study ending in 2026 - @KatieCMason @ros_herman

Thanks to everyone who came to our research to practice conference last week on Language and Literacy in Deaf Children at @FrankBarnesDeaf - amazing turnout ~130 practitioners working with deaf children #TOD #deafTOD & #sltpeeps! 6 research presentations and a panel discussion

Today is the day! Our sold out practitioner event at @FrankBarnesDeaf School. We'll discuss our latest research findings with deaf children & think about implications for practice @DrFionaKyle @ros_herman @KatieCMason @katerowley0 @misterpr1981 @MaireadMacS @BATOD_UK @DCAL_UCL

📢 Come and join us for a FREE research to practice conference for practitioners and teachers working with deaf children - we'll present the latest research findings on Language & Literacy Development - Sat 8th March 2025 at Frank Barnes School. Register: bit.ly/3WNd7I5