What Is Theory of Mind? Why It Matters for Deaf Kids—and How a Book of Quiet Social Moments Might Help

Imagine a man standing on a busy corner. He's looking around in all directions at the people passing by. He takes out his phone a few times, glances at it, and puts it back in his pocket. He looks back at the faces passing by and sighs.

We would probably understand that he's anxious because he's waiting for someone who's late.

That sort of mental leap is called "Theory of Mind." 

We understand that other people have a state of mind subjective to themselves, and we can intuit what they're thinking from social cues.

We've heard that deaf children can have a harder time developing Theory of Mind than typically hearing children.

We've heard that deaf children can have a harder time developing Theory of Mind than typically hearing children.

We're not sure why. Maybe they have fewer opportunities to hear subtle emotional sounds like sighs or mutterings. But whatever the reason, it's something we want to pay a little extra attention to.

Enter: The Quiet Book

I originally bought this book thinking it would be about quiet sounds, likes leaves rustling.

Turning the pages, I was disappointed. It definitely is not that. In fact, it barely references sound at all!

'Oh well, back it goes.' I thought. But -- then I remembered what our instructor said about Theory of Mind. So, I took another look.

Here's why we actually love it!

Each page features a quiet social moment. They're specific, yet also universal.

Each page features a quiet social moment. They're specific, yet also universal.

It invites the reader to imagine why the characters are being quiet in each scenario.

What is it about the top of the rollercoaster that inspires quiet?  

What about right before someone blows out a birthday candle? 

We're effectively drawn into the page to get inside characters' minds.

And, with so much of our work centered on sound, we love to flip the script for a minute to focus on the social meanings of quiet.

Age: We think this book is a little too complex for a baby, but probably perfect for older toddlers and young children.

We found it interesting, even as adults.

What a lovely way to explore motivation and feelings.

Check it out at your (quiet) local library!