You Can Learn Sign Language!
on Goodreads (33)
What’s inside...
You Can Learn Sign Language! is a comprehensive guide to learning American Sign Language (ASL) for beginners. Author Jackie Kramer provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions, along with helpful illustrations and practice exercises. The book covers basic ASL vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, as well as tips for effective communication with deaf individuals. Whether you are interested in learning sign language for personal or professional reasons, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their communication skills.
Age
5-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways people use sign language to communicate when they can't use words?
How do you think learning sign language can help us understand others better?
Can you think of a situation where you might use sign language to help someone or make a new friend?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to know some sign language?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the questions, use hand gestures or signs to make the conversation more interactive and fun.
Encourage your child to teach you some signs from the book, which reinforces their learning and makes the reading experience more collaborative.
Relate the use of sign language to real-life scenarios or people you might know to make the content more relatable and meaningful.
Praise your child's efforts to understand and use sign language, regardless of their proficiency, to boost their confidence and interest in learning new languages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The book teaches children how to use sign language, thereby including those who are deaf or hard of hearing in everyday conversations.
Real-World Application: Children can use sign language to communicate with peers who have hearing impairments, fostering an inclusive environment at school or in community settings.
Example Lesson: Communication Skills
Explanation: Through learning sign language, children enhance their ability to communicate effectively using both verbal and non-verbal methods.
Real-World Application: This skill can help children express themselves more clearly and understand others better, improving interactions at home, in school, and while socializing.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book introduces children to the culture of the deaf community, promoting respect and understanding for different ways of life.
Real-World Application: Understanding and appreciating diverse cultures prepares children to thrive in a globalized world, promoting harmony and social cohesion.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By learning about sign language and its importance to those who use it, children can develop deeper empathy for others' experiences and challenges.
Real-World Application: Empathy learned through this book can lead children to be more considerate and supportive friends, family members, and classmates.
Example Lesson: Lifelong Learning
Explanation: This book demonstrates that learning new skills, like sign language, can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to adopt a mindset of ongoing learning and curiosity, which can benefit their academic and personal development throughout life.