Deaf children's imagination

Abstract

This study focuses on a small number of children performing a number of tasks requiring them to imagine, i.e. to think of things and events not actually represented in the books or pictures are asked to consider. The main purpose of the study is to compare the imagination of deaf children with that of hearing children. Eight children were involved in this research: four deaf children and four hearing children. Four children attended year two and four children attended year four primary classes. Results indicated that deaf children are as imaginative as hearing children. Deaf children were more talkative and gave more elaborate answers. All the children enjoyed listening and answering interesting questions, which led them to use their imagination. Results show that several factors affect one's imagination, such as one's level of autonomy and level of confidence. The more independent and confident the children were, the less reluctant they were to share their imaginative answers and ideas.