Tiny Hands, Big Signs ASL Club: An ASL Adventure for Young Explorers

Introduction:

Welcome to Tiny Hands, Big Sign's "ASL Club", a vibrant and engaging American Sign Language (ASL) learning club designed specifically for young learners in grades 2-5 (ages 7-10).  Our weekly meetings, each lasting 30 minutes, will not only focus on practicing learned signs, ASL grammar/syntax, and ASL conversations and storytelling, but also on fostering a love for language, communication, and cultural understanding.

Learning Objectives:

Vocabulary: Students will practice/learn a variety of ASL signs helping them to better communicate and tell stories.

ASL Songs: Participants will learn popular ASL songs, incorporating signs into rhythmic and melodic expressions.

ASL Stories: Through the exploration of ASL storytelling, students will enhance their comprehension skills and engage with narrative elements in a visual and dynamic format.

Cultural Awareness: By learning ASL, students will develop an understanding of Deaf culture, fostering empathy and inclusivity towards individuals with diverse communication needs.

Class Structure:

Each meeting will offer a dynamic and engaging learning experience, carefully structured to accommodate the needs and interests of young learners. Here's an overview of the class structure:

Welcome and Warm-up (5 minutes): Begin each session with a warm welcome and a brief icebreaker activity to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Student-Led ASL Discussion (15 minutes): Students will have the opportunity to take the lead in sharing their thoughts, questions, and observations about the ASL signs, songs, or stories learned. This 15-minute segment encourages peer-to-peer interaction, allowing students to express their ideas, discuss their favorite signs or story elements, and build confidence in their communication skills within a supportive and collaborative environment.

ASL Song Practice (10 minutes): Lead students in learning and practicing an ASL song relevant to the session's theme. Utilize music, movement, and visual aids to enhance engagement and rhythm.
OR 
ASL Storytelling (10 minutes): Share an ASL story or narrative segment, incorporating signs and expressive gestures to convey meaning and engage students in visual storytelling.


Teaching Approach:

As the instructor of "Tiny Hands, Big Sign ASL Club," my teaching approach is centered on creating a dynamic and welcoming learning environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and cultural appreciation. It is highly interactive and engaging. I focus on Science of Reading strategies with a structured literacy approach. Here's how I will teach:

Multimodal Instruction: Recognizing that young learners thrive in multimodal learning environments, I will incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements into each lesson. This may include visual aids, music, movement, and interactive storytelling techniques.

Experiential Learning: Through hands-on activities and experiential learning opportunities, students will actively engage with ASL signs, songs, and stories, deepening their understanding and retention of language concepts.

Positive Reinforcement: I will provide ample praise, encouragement, and positive reinforcement to motivate students and build their confidence in using ASL. Celebrating each student's progress and achievements will be a central aspect of my teaching style.

Deaf Culture: Emphasizing cultural sensitivity and awareness, I will incorporate discussions about Deaf culture, history, and identity into our lessons, fostering empathy and respect for linguistic diversity.

Interaction and Engagement:

This ASL club offers a variety of opportunities for students to interact with both myself and their peers, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning community. Specific modes of interaction include:

Interactive Demonstrations: I will demonstrate ASL signs and gestures, providing clear visual models for students to follow and imitate.

Group Singing and Movement: Students will participate in group singing and movement activities, practicing ASL signs within a rhythmic and melodic context.

ASL Story Sharing: Students will have the opportunity to create and share their own ASL stories or narratives, fostering creativity and self-expression within the group.

Discussion and Reflection: Facilitated discussions will encourage students to share their thoughts, ask questions, and reflect on their learning experiences, promoting active engagement and critical thinking skills.

Through "Tiny Hands, Big Signs ASL Club", young learners will embark on a joyful and enriching exploration of ASL, discovering the beauty of sign language through songs, stories, and shared experiences. Join us as we journey together through the summer season, celebrating the power of communication and cultural diversity!