If you are already aware of the benefits of sign language, you are probably interested in new ideas to use in the classroom with students or at home with your child. It can be simple and fun to include new ideas into your already established daily routine. With the weather cooling down, it is clear that the Fall season is approaching. Children have fun learning about their world and the things they are seeing and doing, so it would be great to use signs for words they are seeing or using regularly during each season.
Apples are plentiful in the Fall, especially where I live in the Northeastern US. So many children are familiar with apples, as many of us go apple picking, make apple sauce, drink apple cider, etc. A great story to use in the classroom or with your child at home is Apples, Apples by Salina Yoon. This flap book talks about different things that can be done with apples such as making applesauce, apple cider, or apple pie. Children will enjoy this book because of the flaps throughout the story that provide surprises as to what is underneath them.
If you add signs while reading this story, they will have even more of a visual demonstration. I suggest that the first time you read the story, to sign only apples each time it appears in the book. To sign apples, take the knuckle of your pointer finger and twist it on your cheek. The next time you read it, you might want to add apple picking, apple sauce and the signs that accompany each apple item or activity.
Students can sign along with you, learning both words and signs. Therefore, helping to build their knowledge of new words, vocabulary and pre-literacy skills. I love to use this book with my pre-school and early elementary students because they become so engaged in the reading. It is a fun and interactive way to teach the word apples, the sign, and to learn about them.
For more ideas on signing with your baby, visit http://www.babysignlanguageonline.com/blog
Leave a comment