Maryland Relay is excited to announce a new educational awareness program, "Kids Keeping in Touch". This free, innovative program will to help teachers educate children about Maryland Relay and the cultural and communication differences of individuals with hearing loss. The kit, including lesson plans, 2 videos and a book, will increase awareness and sensitivity to communication differences and encourage communication between all children utilizing the technology available through Maryland Relay.

Designed by a teacher with 25 years of classroom experience, this program is targeted toward children in intermediate elementary grades three through five, but the lessons are very flexible and may be adapted to any grade level. Each unit has ready to use transparencies, teacher guides and handouts for duplication. Many lessons may be used in isolation and units do not have to be taught sequentially. Most importantly, each lesson has been structured so it ties directly into the elementary curriculum, as well as Maryland Outcomes.

The Human Body:
includes lessons on the 5 senses, parts of the ear, causes of hearing loss, hearing aids and cochlear implants

Society and Culture:
includes lessons on comparing the various cultures of individuals with hearing loss, identifying differences, and reading for literary experience about a child with a hearing loss

Technology and Communication:
includes lessons on the history of sign language, teaching basic sign language, sign language video featuring simple stories, an introductory lesson on cued speech, using a sign language interpreter, and using Maryland Relay

Students to Students:
a program pairing hearing and deaf students using Maryland Relay to communicate