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Waldorf ASL: Signs of Winter! a Seasonal ASL Class, Story Time, & Guided Drawing

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:
(144)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
35 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade Kindergarten - 2
This Waldorf Inspired story time is designed to celebrate and learn about the season of Winter 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 Winter 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 Winter 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.

Themes include-

Nature and Weather:
* Snow and snowflakes
* Ice and frost
* Winter animals (e.g., polar bears, penguins, owls)
* Winter trees and evergreens
* Winter sky: clouds, stars, and moon

Winter Activities: 
* Building a snowman
* Ice skating and sledding
* Drinking hot chocolate
* Making snow angels
* Wrapping up in warm clothes (e.g., mittens, scarves, boots)

Holidays and Celebrations: 
* Winter holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Valentines Day 
* Winter traditions: lighting candles, decorating, gift-giving
* Singing holiday songs in sign language
* Seasonal Foods
* Hot drinks: cocoa, cider

Winter treats: 
* cookies, gingerbread, candy canes
* Fruits like cranberries and citrus
* Cozy Indoors
* Sitting by the fireplace
* Reading winter-themed books
* Watching snow from a window

Winter Symbols
* Snowflakes, snowmen, icicles
* Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias
* Stars, bells, and candles
* Seasonal Feelings and Expressions
* Cold, warm, cozy
* Happiness, excitement, and wonder
* Expressing wishes for the new year

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
5.0
144reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Get $10 off my classes with coupon code FRIENNOVEMBER10 until Dec 1, 2024. 

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 began in the summer of 2001 when I had an internship in Early Childhood Education at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After graduating from Purdue University with my Bachelors Degree, I began working as a social worker and case manager for young children in LaPorte, Indiana. 

I  then moved to Phoenix, AZ and started my journey in Special Education, working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. I specialized in building expressive language through American Sign Language. Additionally, I focused on treating the whole child though sensory integration and positive behavior support. In 2005 I was named by the Governor as Arizona's "Caregiver of the Year"!  

In 2006, I obtained my Masters Degree in Special Education and began working in a K-6 Self Contained Classroom. During this time I worked to develop an award winning School-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program based entirely on peace and mindfulness. I was awarded the "You Make a Difference" award by the Osborn School District for my work on this project!
 
My daughter, Eleanor, was born in 2010. In 2013 I left the classroom to be a full-time mama. My youngest daughter, Annalise, was born in 2013. During this time I began to adopt Waldorf philosophies at home and began homeschool using Waldorf and Montessori inspired pedagogy. 

In 2017, I started my own Early Childhood Center called "Let's Play Learning". The developmentally appropriate curriculum was based on the view that children learn best when they are actively exploring the natural world and a carefully constructed environment in the company of their caregiver and directed by loving, professionally prepared teachers. I closed my doors at the beginning of the pandemic and began teaching online, which I love!  

In my classes I strive to create a culture of peace and mindfulness while teaching academic skills through nature, imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression. 

I now live with my family just five minutes away from beautiful Lake Michigan.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$12

weekly
1x per week
35 min

Completed by 78 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-8
3-10 learners per class

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