Liven Up Baby and Liven Up Baby and Toddler Storytimes with Toddler Storytimes with

Sign LanguageSign LanguagePresented by Presented by

Kathy MacMillanKathy MacMillan

Who is this woman?Who is this woman?Kathy MacMillan, M.L.S., N.I.C.Kathy MacMillan, M.L.S., N.I.C.

Author of:Author of:

Founder of Stories By Hand: Founder of Stories By Hand: www.storiesbyhand.comwww.storiesbyhand.com

Why use sign language in your Why use sign language in your programs?programs?

The popularity of baby sign languageThe popularity of baby sign language Children can sign before they can Children can sign before they can

speakspeak Stimulates language developmentStimulates language development Empowers young children to Empowers young children to

communicatecommunicate Reduces frustrationReduces frustration Enhances language and social skillsEnhances language and social skills

Why use sign language in your Why use sign language in your programs?programs?

Provides a language bridge between Provides a language bridge between English and other spoken languagesEnglish and other spoken languages

Helps with problem solvingHelps with problem solving Helps children identify and manage Helps children identify and manage

emotionsemotions Enhances spoken vocabularyEnhances spoken vocabulary Enhances reading skillsEnhances reading skills Allows special needs children to Allows special needs children to

participateparticipate

Why use sign language in your Why use sign language in your programs?programs?

It’s popular with every age groupIt’s popular with every age group Adds a multicultural aspect to your Adds a multicultural aspect to your

programsprograms Gives your programs a “competitive Gives your programs a “competitive

edge”edge” It makes programs instantly It makes programs instantly

participativeparticipative It’s FUN!It’s FUN!

Why use American Sign Why use American Sign Language?Language?

It’s a language!It’s a language! Teaches a valuable skillTeaches a valuable skill Shows respect for Deaf cultureShows respect for Deaf culture

Some background about Some background about Deafness and ASLDeafness and ASL

ASL and English are 2 separate ASL and English are 2 separate languageslanguages

Sign language is NOT universalSign language is NOT universal A central value of Deaf CultureA central value of Deaf Culture Deaf vs. deafDeaf vs. deaf

STEP 1: Decide which signs STEP 1: Decide which signs you want to use in your programyou want to use in your program Limit it to what you can handleLimit it to what you can handle Consider starting small and building Consider starting small and building

on your list each weekon your list each week Choose signs you can repeat Choose signs you can repeat

throughout the programthroughout the program Choose signs that will be meaningful Choose signs that will be meaningful

to your audienceto your audience Be prepared to adapt your listBe prepared to adapt your list

STEP 2: Learn the SignsSTEP 2: Learn the Signs BooksBooks Videos/DVDsVideos/DVDs WebsitesWebsites SoftwareSoftware ClassesClasses Friends/familyFriends/family

www.aslpro.com

www.signingsavvy.com www.aslnook.com

STEP 3: Practice your signsSTEP 3: Practice your signs Practice your sign productionPractice your sign production

– Dominant hand movesDominant hand moves Practice how you will teach/explain Practice how you will teach/explain

the signsthe signs– Allow enough time for the children to Allow enough time for the children to

copycopy– Check their signs for accuracyCheck their signs for accuracy

Don’t always voiceDon’t always voice

STEP 4: Practice introducing STEP 4: Practice introducing sign language in contextsign language in context

Call it by name: American Sign Call it by name: American Sign Language or ASLLanguage or ASL

Acknowledge that it is mostly used Acknowledge that it is mostly used by deaf peopleby deaf people

Incorporate practical information for Incorporate practical information for parentsparents

STEP 5: Provide Follow-upSTEP 5: Provide Follow-up Repeat the signs throughout the Repeat the signs throughout the

programprogram Provide handouts showing signs or Provide handouts showing signs or

more information about using signs more information about using signs with young childrenwith young children

Share library materials about signingShare library materials about signing Build your signing vocabulary week to Build your signing vocabulary week to

week and repeat/reinforce past weeks’ week and repeat/reinforce past weeks’ signssigns

Some Hands-On IdeasSome Hands-On Ideas Openings and ClosingsOpenings and Closings BooksBooks StorytellingStorytelling Bounces and RhymesBounces and Rhymes SongsSongs Prop ActivitiesProp Activities CountingCounting ColorsColors

Using Signs in Group ManagementUsing Signs in Group Management Provides a visual cueProvides a visual cue Works on older kids too!Works on older kids too! Excellent for ADHD, special needsExcellent for ADHD, special needs Cuts down on the naggingCuts down on the nagging

Expanding Your ResourcesExpanding Your Resources Non-children’s staffNon-children’s staff VolunteersVolunteers Parent volunteersParent volunteers Outside groupsOutside groups

– Scout groups & other community groupsScout groups & other community groups– School groupsSchool groups– Deaf groupsDeaf groups

Grow your own volunteersGrow your own volunteers

Resources to Know: VideoResources to Know: Video Signing Time!Signing Time! Series (DVD and Series (DVD and

streaming)streaming) Sign with Robert: Babies and Sign with Robert: Babies and

Children Children (DVD and streaming)(DVD and streaming) ASL Nook: online at aslnook.comASL Nook: online at aslnook.com

Resources to Know: BooksResources to Know: Books Little Hands & Big Hands Little Hands & Big Hands by Kathy by Kathy

MacMillanMacMillan Storytime Magic, More Storytime Magic, Storytime Magic, More Storytime Magic,

and and Baby Storytime Magic Baby Storytime Magic by Kathy by Kathy MacMillan & Christine KirkerMacMillan & Christine Kirker

Baby Fingers Baby Fingers books by Lora Hellerbooks by Lora Heller Baby Sign Language Basics and Songs for Baby Sign Language Basics and Songs for

Little Hands Little Hands by Monta Z. Briantby Monta Z. Briant

Questions?Questions?

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

For more American Sign Language For more American Sign Language resources, please see resources, please see www.storiesbyhand.com..

For more great storytime suggestions, For more great storytime suggestions, please see please see www.storytimestuff.net. .