By:Kelly Daniel, Ashley Cannon, & Cassie Shockley

The Benefits of Sign Language in the Classroomhttp://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/sign-language-1.jpg

Sign Language in the ClassroomThe use of sign language in the classroom is very important. It is beneficial to both the teachers and the students. It can help to limit disruptions and better the communication between teachers and students, especially those with limited verbal skills and/or hearing impairments.

Why Should Teachers Incorporate Sign Language in the Classroom?

Some students prefer to communicate through sign language.Some students require this accommodation to learn information being presented to them.Some students with hearing impairments need it in order to not miss information that is presented verbally.

Why Should Teachers Incorporate Sign Language in the Classroom?It also adds a unique and silent facet to the classroom.It allows children, who arent hearing impaired, to express themselves in a way other than verbally.Some children will learn to fingerspell when signing, and it will promote their reading skills.

Why Should Teachers Incorporate Sign Language in the Classroom?More children who are deaf and hard of hearing are entering regular education classrooms. If the teacher has some knowledge of sign language it will make the learning environment more friendly and inviting for those students.

Why Should Teachers Incorporate Sign Language in the Classroom?It can help to eliminate distractions in the classroom if the teacher and all of the students can communicate using the same system. An example would be if a child needs to be excused to use the restroom, he/she could sign the motion for restroom. The teacher could sign back yes or no. There would be no verbal communication. Therefore, there would be less distractions for other children.

SitPlace the palm side of the right 'H' fingers on the back of the left 'H' fingers; then move both hands down slightly(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/Amyanimalover/classroom.jpg

Quiet

The index finger is held up against the pursed lips(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html

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BookThe hands show the cover of the book opening(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html

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PleaseHand goes counter clockwise over the heart in a circle(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html

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Thank YouTouch the lips with the fingertips of one or both flat hands, then move the hands forward until the palms are facing up.(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html

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Wash Your HandsThe knuckle of the sign A rub against each other, in circles(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html

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PaperStrike the heel of the left upturned palm two glancing blows with the heel of the right down turned palm.(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html

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Yes Nod the S hand up and down, facing your palm forward(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html

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NoBring the right thumb, index and middle fingers together while shaking the head side to side(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html

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BathroomMake a T then wave your hand back and forth with your palm facing forward.

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PencilStart by holding your right hand by your mouth like you are actually holding a pencil. Bring your hand down and make a writing motion on your left hand, moving your right hand from the palm, toward your fingers.forteachersonly.com

Understand?The right 'S' hand is placed on the forehead, palm facing the body. The index finger suddenly flicks up into the 'D' position.(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html

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HelpThe left 'S' hand, thumb up, rests in the open right palm. Both hands are then pushed up a slight distance.(2007). A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from A Basic Guide to ASL Web site: http://www.masterstech-home.com/aSLDict.html

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How to Begin Incorporating Sign Language in Your ClassroomIf you are unsure of how to incorporate sign language into your classroom, begin slowly. You could incorporate one or two signs a week. You could also incorporate signs into lessons by finding signs that relate to your lesson. This would be a fun way to get kids to make meaningful connections between the lesson and a concept that is hands-on.

Books that would have been provided:Sign Language Made SimpleBy: Edgar D. LawrenceExpressive and Receptive Fingerspelling for Hearing AdultsBy: LaVera M. Guillory