ASL: Signs of Spring! a Seasonal ASL Class, Storytime, & Guided Drawing: Waldorf
Though storytelling, songs and poems, comprehension activities, and simple illustrations children will learn ASL signs as they learn about the season of autumn.
The Friendly Forest School with Ms. Nora, M.Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(160)
Popular
What's included
1 live meeting
35 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade Kindergarten - 2
This Waldorf Inspired story time is designed to celebrate and learn about the season of Spring while learning Sign Language, building pre-literacy, and writing skills. Though storytelling, songs and poems, comprehension activities, and simple illustrations children will learn ASL signs as they learn about the science of the seasons and Spring weather. Storytelling is the social and cultural activity of sharing stories, sometimes with improvisation, theatrics or embellishment. Class Rhythm: Waldorf Welcoming Poem and Positive Affirmation Introduction to new ASL Signs Story/Puppet Show Comprehension and Retelling Guided Drawing Mindful Breath and Goodbye Song In this class children will be introduced to American Sign Language through Spring inspired stories and themes! Story time will begin with the same introductory signed poem each week..."Its story-time, so gather 'round and come see this magical book that I just found...." Then I will tell the children a new story or perform a puppet show. Within the stories I will weave in ASL, short songs and finger-plays, encouraging students participation and interaction. Each week I will have the students participate in the story in different ways that will help reinforce the ASL signs they are learning. After the story I will guide a short discussion and play a game to check for comprehension and give students an opportunity to retell the story in their own words and again practice sign language. Additionally, students will begin to learn the elements of a story as they hear vocabulary words such as "character, setting, plot, problem, solution, sequence, author, illustrator etc." Finally, we will create our own illustration of the story. Using a second camera, I will guide the students through a simple drawing. As I draw I will dictate the instructions, paying special attention to the vocabulary words for each type of line as it is used. For example, "I am going to start at the top and draw a tall vertical line." Children are encouraged to add their own details and artistic expression! Students will be given the opportunity to share their illustration, giving them an additional opportunity to discuss the story and practice sign language! Children will be encouraged to ask questions, comment, and compliment their friends art work. Each class period will end with a short poem, deep centering breath, gratitude and a goodbye song! I am looking forward to creating a rich and rewarding story time as we celebrate new beginnings and the season of Winter. Spring Themes Nature and Weather: Blooming flowers and budding trees Rain showers and rainbows Baby animals (e.g., chicks, bunnies, lambs) Birds returning and building nests Warming sunshine and longer days Spring Activities: Flying kites in the breeze Jumping in puddles Planting seeds and gardening Watching caterpillars turn into butterflies Exploring nature and going on spring walks
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2022
5.0
160reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Get $10 off my classes with coupon code FRIENSUMMERFUN10 until Jun 1, 2025. Look through my classes at https://outschool.com/teachers/noraryszka-yahoo-com and enter the coupon code at checkout.
Welcome to The Friendly Forest School!
I come to you with a wealth of knowledge, classroom experience, and a passion for teaching young children though play.
My classes follow a Waldorf-inspired approach that focuses on the holistic development of children, ensuring that academic skills are nurtured in an engaging and imaginative manner.
A predictable peaceful rhythm, delightful melodies, American Sign Language, and captivating tales (often set in the Friendly Forest) infuse every lesson, making learning a joyful exploration!I
By embracing the ebb and flow of nature's cycles, my goal is to help children feel grounded, secure, and ready to absorb knowledge with open hearts and curious minds.
ABOUT ME:
My journey in education began in the summer of 2001 with an internship in Early Childhood Education at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After earning my Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University, I worked as a social worker and case manager for young children in LaPorte, Indiana.
I later moved to Phoenix, AZ, where I transitioned into Special Education, working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. My focus was on developing expressive language through American Sign Language, as well as supporting the whole child through sensory integration and positive behavior strategies. In 2005, I was honored to be named Arizona’s "Caregiver of the Year" by the Governor.
In 2006, I earned my Master’s Degree in Special Education and began teaching in a K-6 self-contained classroom. During this time, I developed an award-winning, school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program rooted in peace and mindfulness. For this work, I received the "You Make a Difference" award from the Osborn School District.
My daughter, Eleanor, was born in 2010, and in 2013, I left the classroom to focus on motherhood full-time. That same year, my youngest daughter, Annalise, was born. During this time, I embraced Waldorf philosophies at home and began homeschooling using Waldorf and Montessori-inspired methods.
In 2017, I founded my own Early Childhood Center, Let’s Play Learning, which provided a developmentally appropriate curriculum centered on the belief that young children learn best through hands-on exploration of the natural world, a thoughtfully prepared environment, and nurturing guidance from both caregivers and skilled educators. When the pandemic began, I transitioned to teaching online—a shift I have come to love!
In my classes, I strive to cultivate a culture of peace and mindfulness, integrating academic learning with nature, imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Today, I live with my family just five minutes from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly1x per week
35 min
Completed by 100 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-8
3-10 learners per class
