際際滷

際際滷Share a Scribd company logo

Liven Up Baby and Toddler Storytimes with Sign Language (June 2020)

A
ALAeLearningSolutions

This document discusses how to incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) into baby and toddler storytimes. It explains that using signs can aid language development, empower children to communicate before speaking, and make storytimes more inclusive. The presenter recommends choosing a limited number of signs to use consistently, practicing the signs, and providing context and follow-up materials to parents. Hands-on ideas for using signs in stories, songs, and routines are provided. Resources for learning signs like books, videos, and websites are also shared.

1 of 22
Download to read offline
Liven Up Baby and Toddler Storytimes with American Sign Language PRESENTED BY KATHY MACMILLAN
Kathy MacMillan (she/her) is a writer, American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, signing storyteller, and avowed Hufflepuff. She presents ASL storytime programs for all ages, as well as workshops on programming, serving the Deaf community, and writing for children and adults. Kathy serves as the co-regional advisor for the Maryland/Delaware/West Virginia region of the Society for Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Baltimore, MD. KathyMacMillan.com ~ StoriesByHand.com
Why use sign language in your programs? The popularity of baby sign language Children can sign before they can speak Stimulates language development Empowers young children to communicate Reduces frustration Enhances language and social skills
Why use sign language in your programs? Provides a language bridge between English and other spoken languages Helps with problem solving Helps children identify and manage emotions Enhances spoken vocabulary Enhances reading skills Allows special needs children to participate
Why use sign language in your programs? Its popular with every age group Adds a multicultural aspect to your programs Gives your programs a competitive edge It makes programs instantly participative Its FUN!
Why use American Sign Language? Its a language! Teaches a valuable skill Shows respect for Deaf culture
Some background about Deafness and ASL ASL and English are 2 separate languages Sign language is NOT universal A central value of Deaf Culture Deaf vs. deaf
STEP 1: Decide which signs you want to use in your program Limit it to what you can handle Consider starting small and building on your list each week Choose signs you can repeat throughout the program Choose signs that will be meaningful to your audience Be prepared to adapt your list
STEP 2: Learn the Signs Books Videos/DVDs Websites Software Classes Friends/family www.aslpro.com www.signingsavvy.com www.aslnook.com
STEP 3: Practice your signs Practice your sign production Dominant hand moves Practice how you will teach/explain the signs Allow enough time for the children to copy Check their signs for accuracy Dont always voice
STEP 4: Practice introducing sign language in context Call it by name: American Sign Language or ASL Acknowledge that it is mostly used by deaf people Incorporate practical information for parents
STEP 5: Provide Follow-up Repeat the signs throughout the program Provide handouts showing signs or more information about using signs with young children Share library materials about signing Build your signing vocabulary week to week and repeat/reinforce past weeks signs
Some Hands-On Ideas Openings and Closings Books Storytelling Bounces and Rhymes Songs Prop Activities Counting Colors
Using Signs in Group Management Provides a visual cue Works on older kids too! Excellent for ADHD, special needs Cuts down on the nagging
Expanding Your Resources Non-childrens staff Volunteers Parent volunteers Outside groups Scout groups & other community groups School groups Deaf groups Grow your own volunteers
Resources to Know: Video Signing Time! Series (DVD and streaming) Sign with Robert: Babies and Children (DVD and streaming) ASL Nook: online at aslnook.com
Resources to Know: Books Nitas First Signs and Nitas Day: More Signs for Babies and Parents by Kathy MacMillan Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together by Kathy MacMillan
Resources to Know: Books Storytime Magic, More Storytime Magic, and Baby Storytime Magic by Kathy MacMillan & Christine Kirker Baby Fingers books by Lora Heller Baby Sign Language Basics and Songs for Little Hands by Monta Z. Briant
Questions?
Upcoming ALAEditions Webinars and eCourses 6 week eCourse Next session begins January 11, 2021 Level 1: 6 week eCourse Next session begins Sept 14, 2020 90 minute webinar Wed, June 17, 2020 2:30 PM Eastern NEW! Level 2: 6 week eCourse Next session begins Nov 2, 2020
Upcoming Webinars
THANK YOU! For more American Sign Language resources, please see www.storiesbyhand.com. For more great storytime suggestions, please see www.storytimestuff.net.

More Related Content

Liven Up Baby and Toddler Storytimes with Sign Language (June 2020)

  • 1. Liven Up Baby and Toddler Storytimes with American Sign Language PRESENTED BY KATHY MACMILLAN
  • 2. Kathy MacMillan (she/her) is a writer, American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, signing storyteller, and avowed Hufflepuff. She presents ASL storytime programs for all ages, as well as workshops on programming, serving the Deaf community, and writing for children and adults. Kathy serves as the co-regional advisor for the Maryland/Delaware/West Virginia region of the Society for Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Baltimore, MD. KathyMacMillan.com ~ StoriesByHand.com
  • 3. Why use sign language in your programs? The popularity of baby sign language Children can sign before they can speak Stimulates language development Empowers young children to communicate Reduces frustration Enhances language and social skills
  • 4. Why use sign language in your programs? Provides a language bridge between English and other spoken languages Helps with problem solving Helps children identify and manage emotions Enhances spoken vocabulary Enhances reading skills Allows special needs children to participate
  • 5. Why use sign language in your programs? Its popular with every age group Adds a multicultural aspect to your programs Gives your programs a competitive edge It makes programs instantly participative Its FUN!
  • 6. Why use American Sign Language? Its a language! Teaches a valuable skill Shows respect for Deaf culture
  • 7. Some background about Deafness and ASL ASL and English are 2 separate languages Sign language is NOT universal A central value of Deaf Culture Deaf vs. deaf
  • 8. STEP 1: Decide which signs you want to use in your program Limit it to what you can handle Consider starting small and building on your list each week Choose signs you can repeat throughout the program Choose signs that will be meaningful to your audience Be prepared to adapt your list
  • 9. STEP 2: Learn the Signs Books Videos/DVDs Websites Software Classes Friends/family www.aslpro.com www.signingsavvy.com www.aslnook.com
  • 10. STEP 3: Practice your signs Practice your sign production Dominant hand moves Practice how you will teach/explain the signs Allow enough time for the children to copy Check their signs for accuracy Dont always voice
  • 11. STEP 4: Practice introducing sign language in context Call it by name: American Sign Language or ASL Acknowledge that it is mostly used by deaf people Incorporate practical information for parents
  • 12. STEP 5: Provide Follow-up Repeat the signs throughout the program Provide handouts showing signs or more information about using signs with young children Share library materials about signing Build your signing vocabulary week to week and repeat/reinforce past weeks signs
  • 13. Some Hands-On Ideas Openings and Closings Books Storytelling Bounces and Rhymes Songs Prop Activities Counting Colors
  • 14. Using Signs in Group Management Provides a visual cue Works on older kids too! Excellent for ADHD, special needs Cuts down on the nagging
  • 15. Expanding Your Resources Non-childrens staff Volunteers Parent volunteers Outside groups Scout groups & other community groups School groups Deaf groups Grow your own volunteers
  • 16. Resources to Know: Video Signing Time! Series (DVD and streaming) Sign with Robert: Babies and Children (DVD and streaming) ASL Nook: online at aslnook.com
  • 17. Resources to Know: Books Nitas First Signs and Nitas Day: More Signs for Babies and Parents by Kathy MacMillan Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together by Kathy MacMillan
  • 18. Resources to Know: Books Storytime Magic, More Storytime Magic, and Baby Storytime Magic by Kathy MacMillan & Christine Kirker Baby Fingers books by Lora Heller Baby Sign Language Basics and Songs for Little Hands by Monta Z. Briant
  • 20. Upcoming ALAEditions Webinars and eCourses 6 week eCourse Next session begins January 11, 2021 Level 1: 6 week eCourse Next session begins Sept 14, 2020 90 minute webinar Wed, June 17, 2020 2:30 PM Eastern NEW! Level 2: 6 week eCourse Next session begins Nov 2, 2020
  • 22. THANK YOU! For more American Sign Language resources, please see www.storiesbyhand.com. For more great storytime suggestions, please see www.storytimestuff.net.