Sign to Learn : American Sign Language in the Early Childhood Classroom

by Dennis, Kirsten

• ISBN13: 9781929610693
• ISBN10: 1929610696
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-10-30
• Publisher: Redleaf Pr

Summary

Sign to Learn is the first complete introduction to appropriate sign language curriculum for hearing preschoolers. This unique, research-based resource gives you the tools you need to learn how to integrate American Sign Language (ASL) into your classroom in order to enhance the academic, social, and emotional development of children and to respectfully introduce children to Deaf culture.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	1	(3)
Sign Language Terms	4	(1)
History of American Sign Language	5	(4)
What Is Deafness?	5	(1)
How Did American Sign Language Develop?	6	(1)
Why Was American Sign Language Controversial?	6	(1)
How Was American Sign Language Finally Accepted?	7	(1)
How Did This Change Deaf Education?	7	(2)
Research on Teaching Sign Language to Hearing Children	9	(4)
Deaf and Hearing Students Together	9	(1)
Children with Special Needs	10	(1)
Second-Language Learners	10	(1)
Babies and Toddlers	10	(1)
Early Literacy	11	(2)
Guiding Principles of the American Sign Language Curriculum	13	(6)
Start Early	13	(1)
Start Simple	14	(1)
Make It Fun	14	(1)
Make It Meaningful	14	(1)
Include Information about People Who Are Deaf	15	(1)
Use American Sign Language	15	(1)
Use Existing Classroom Materials	15	(1)
Include All Teachers and Staff Members	16	(1)
Share with Families	16	(1)
Relax!	16	(1)
Signs for ``It's Raining, It's Pouring''	17	(2)
Teaching and Learning about American Sign Language and Deaf Culture	19	(10)
Why Teach about Deafness and Deaf Culture?	19	(1)
Learning about Deaf Culture	20	(2)
Teaching about Deaf Culture	22	(1)
Learning American Sign Language	23	(4)
Lesson Plan --- ``Sign Time''	27	(2)
American Sign Language in an Early Childhood Literacy Program	29	(8)
Why It Works	29	(1)
How to Include ASL in an Early Childhood Literacy Program	30	(3)
Literacy Signs	33	(4)
American Sign Language for Classroom Management	37	(12)
Engage Your Students	37	(1)
Effectively Redirect Behavior	38	(1)
Establish Routines	38	(1)
Ease Transitions	38	(1)
Address Different Learning Styles	39	(1)
Increase Communication with Children with Special Needs	39	(1)
Create a Common Language in a Multilingual Classroom	40	(1)
Help Children Understand and Express Feelings	40	(1)
Calm the Classroom	40	(1)
Build Community	41	(1)
Classroom Management Signs	41	(8)
Thematic Lesson Plans	49	(139)
The ASL Illustrations	49	(1)
Unit Order	50	(1)
Introducing ASL Vocabulary	50	(1)
Using Children's Books	50	(1)
Songs	50	(1)
A Final Word	51	(2)
Feelings	53	(12)
Family	65	(22)
School	87	(16)
Food	103	(16)
Colors	119	(14)
Seasons	133	(26)
Community Helpers	159	(16)
Animals	175	(13)
Appendix I: American Sign Language Illustration Index	188	(3)
Appendix II: Sample Letter to Families	191	(1)
Appendix III: References	192	(1)
Appendix IV: Resources	193