Sign Language in the Classroom
Heather Welch - K-5 Instructional Coach
Sign language in the classroom:
Children learn faster when they can hear, see and feel the words they are learning. Consider using a few signs to as a positive multi-modal teaching/management solution. I implemented these American Sign Language signs (along with the ASL alphabet) in my classroom. They were great for students to use across the room or in the hall. Using the sign(s) did not require talking or interrupting my small group instruction. I could nod or shake my head no to acknowledge the request. I used the alphabet with students learning letters and letter sounds or to check for understanding. There are many classroom signs available that are not ASL but I wanted my students to learn so they could utilize it in the real world if they wished. Teachers can use sign language to:
Manage students behavior
Keep students actively engaged
Assist students in literacy development of phonics, reading, and spelling
Assist students in speech development
Assist students in language development
Promote positive peer to peer communication and interactions
Other ideas:
Enhance calendar and circle time
Pair with phonics for alphabet and letter/sound learning
Pair with sight words with printed text for faster reading development
Use finger spelling with printed spelling words
Enhance vocabulary acquisition for new words
Enhance speech and language development with students with disabilities
Enhance speech and language development with students who are Second Language Learners (ELL)
See signs in action:
See it in action:
Bathroom:
http://lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-signs/b/bathroom.htm
Stop:
Water:
Yes:
No:
Thank you:
Work:
https://youtu.be/LtrmtOpUZuo