The Weekly HATCH
Music and Movement
If you’ve ever watched a baby bounce to a beat or a toddler spin in happy circles when a favorite song comes on, you already know, music and movement are pure magic! But beyond the giggles and wobbly dance moves, these joyful moments are doing some pretty amazing things for your child’s development.
Music builds little brains
From the very beginning, babies are wired to notice rhythm and patterns (they just spent 9 months with your heartbeat and swaying to the beat of your gate!). Songs help build early listening skills, memory, and attention. Repetition (hello, same song again!) actually strengthens connections in the brain. For babies and toddlers with hearing differences, music can still play a powerful role, whether through hearing devices, feeling vibrations, or seeing rhythm through movement and visual cues.
Movement brings learning to life
When kids clap, stomp, sway, or bounce, they’re building coordination, balance, and body awareness. Pair that movement with music, and you’ve got a full brain-and-body workout. Movement also helps children feel rhythm, which is especially meaningful for children who may experience sound differently.
Language grows in musical moments
Songs are full of rich language! New words, patterns, and playful sounds. Think of nursery rhymes, fingerplays, and silly songs with actions. These moments help children learn how language flows. For children with hearing differences, adding visual supports (like gestures, signs, or exaggerated facial expressions) can make these musical moments even more meaningful and accessible.
Connection is the real rhythm
One of the most beautiful parts of music and movement is how it brings you together. Rocking your baby, clapping along, or dancing around the living room builds connection, trust, and joy. Your face, your voice, your movement... You are the most important part of the experience.
If you attended the HATCH Family Retreat in 2024, you may remember a wonderful presentation by Stephanie Leavell, creator of Music for Kiddos. Click the button below for six of her awesome songs and videos.
You Don't Know What You Don't Know
Do you know that playing "I Spy" is a great way to promote your child's healthy development?
Playing “I Spy” with your little one is more than just a fun way to pass the time. It’s a powerful little learning game. As your child looks around to find what you’ve described, they’re building observation skills, attention, and early problem-solving. When you name colors, shapes, or objects (“I spy something red!”), you’re also growing their vocabulary and helping them connect words/signs to the world around them. For babies and toddlers with hearing differences, adding gestures, pointing, or visual clues makes the game even more engaging and accessible. Best of all, “I Spy” turns everyday moments into shared discovery, strengthening your connection while helping your child learn in a playful, natural way.
Kristi's Communication Corner
It's ISU's Spring Break. Enjoy your week off, Dr. Blaiser!
Kristina Blaiser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is the Director of Early Intervention Integration at the HATCH lab and a Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at Idaho State University.
The Reading Nook
Early literacy plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s future academic success and lifelong learning by honing crucial language acquisition, phonological awareness, and comprehension skills. Research shows that reading and signing stories together helps promote essential literacy skills for ALL children: deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing.
This week, let's read...
Empowered Parent Resource of the Week
If you are a caregiver of a young child who has a hearing difference, please join us for Tuesdays@10 !
T@10 is a very supportive, informative, and casual Zoom designed to let you join from wherever you are. We share stories, tips, and resources to support your family on this journey. Join us and feel the benefit of being part of a supportive, empathetic, and empowered community!
Next Tuesday- Bring your questions, stories, and support!
Text HEAR to 274 448!
The HEAR program is a specialty track within Lantern’s larger network, specifically designed for families of children ages birth to 3 years with suspected or confirmed hearing loss. Messages are a mix of information and encouragement, delivered once per week for 6 months. The program is available in English and Spanish.
We are HATCH Family Support, which is the family-to-family support arm of the HATCH (Helping Adults Talk to Children) lab at Idaho State University. Co-Directed by Kristina Blaiser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, a professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders and years of experience teaching language strategies to the families of young children who have a hearing difference, and Kat Ross, a parent of a child with a hearing difference and years of experience in family-to-family support in Idaho. We provide family centered, statewide outreach, support, and evidence-informed resources to families who have children identified with a hearing difference.
Kristina Blaiser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Director of Early Intervention Integration
(208)859-0703
Kat Ross, Parent
Director of Family Support
(208)407-3726