When working with beginning communicators I start using basic sign language right away. (My own boys are no exception to this!) I will usually relate the sign language to the basic need of eating and start with the sign for more. As the student grasps that these motions I am making with my hands mean something, then they will begin to use the signs also.
To help students learn I have sign language in various areas of my room and also as my students PECS pictures. Some of the words I teach include more, help, thank you, please, and sorry. Also during circle time I sign the days of the week during the days of the week song, colors and letters. Not only do my beginning communicators learn a way to express themselves, but my other students love learning another way to communicate.
Do you use sign language in your classroom? How do you use it?
I love using sign language and am self taught. I don't know a lot but enough to use it a bit weekly. We say the pledge in sign everyday. We have taught my grand daughter to sign when she was about 8 months. She know more, please, again, and thank you at 19 months.
ReplyDeletePatty
I am self and students thought. One of my students came to me 4 years ago only using sign language. I had to learn quickly!
DeleteI currently work at a university in Buffalo, NY. In the fall semester we had another nearby university come in and put on a program called Deaf, Deaf, World. The students went through a program in which they couldn't use their words to communicate. For some they quickly understood what was going on but for most they struggled. After the program we gave students the opportunity to take a very basic sign language class and out of 250 college students I think there were 50. It was a Saturday afternoon so I understand these students had commitments elsewhere. Some of my students took the class and it was interesting to hear their perspectives. I think sign language is a valuable thing to teach students. As students get older I think it is important to raise awareness of different ways of communication because society as a whole can be very self centered.
ReplyDeleteOh I wish I had an opportunity like that when I was in college!
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