Signing with infants and children is a wonderful literacy tool that could be used in libraries. Studies have shown that when parents actively engage with their children when reading, through gestures and open ended questions, the children's language skills are increased. "Parents who use signs with their preverbal children report that their children take a great interest in books, and use signs to actively participate in book-reading with their parents" (Vallotton, 2011). Story hours are opportune times to incorporate signing into children's programming. Usually parents attend these activities with their infants and toddlers so they can learn signs along with the children. Signing is already a part of most library story hours, it may just not be recognized. All of the songs and finger plays that are included in this time generally have a hand motion component--that's signing! If librarians wanted to extend the signing language inclusion and education it would be very easy to learn a new sign each week. Baby Signs offers free poster downloads that are delivered directly through email. Librarians could download and laminate these posters to have as part of the story hour and then displayed throughout the children's department.
Signing does not have to stop with toddlers. Research has also shown that preschooler, kindergarten and elementary aged children can benefit from sign language. "Several studies have shown that signing can help kindergartners, and even older children, gain bigger vocabularies, and improve their spelling and reading skills" (Vallotton, 2011). Media specialists can work with teachers to learn ways of incorporating sign language into the classroom. They could also develop inquiry activities that involve signing focuses or components.
I have focused on the benefits and techniques of signing with infants and toddlers; however, this information can be transferred to older children and other settings. The possibilities are endless, with a little creative thinking and application of the numerous resources available, sign language could become an important literacy tool.
Click below to see an example of the posters that can be downloaded and used at home or in the library.
Baby Signs poster "ball"
I like your ideas for incorporating sign language into the library. The posters you mentioned would be educational for everyone, and I think that they would also serve as a gesture to hearing-impaired patrons that the library is understanding of their needs and helping to bridge the communication barrier in a small, but noticeable way.
ReplyDeleteWhen you mentioned that signing can continue through childhood, it reminded me that I know a kindergarten teacher who teaches her students some signs to streamline communication in the classroom. For example, if she is teaching and a student needs a restroom break, they make the sign and then she nods to them. It is a much quicker way to communicate, and it doesn't interrupt instruction the way a verbal question does.
I've enjoyed reading your blog. You haven't even posted your final product yet, but I think you've convinced me to try signing with my own children someday. :)
:) I also worked in a kindergarten classroom where the teacher used signs with the children. She used "sit down," "please," and "thank" you to help quickly and quietly control a room of 5 year olds while also teaching them manners. I worked with a special needs student in the classroom and the sign language was great for helping him focus in when the noise and chaos made his ability to listen and follow instructions difficult.
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