Sign Language
Sign language can be a powerful and enjoyable communication tool when teachers and students have a simple, shared vocabulary. A few basic signs can create many opportunities for communication for a student with special needs. For example, if a student can sign 'more', then they can communicate this across a range of activities such as meal times and play times. Baisc signs which can be good starting points for building a sign language vocabulary include: more, finished, yes, no, drink, toilet, happy, sad, stop, wait, go.
Many students with special needs use gesture and body language to communicate their wants and needs. Pointing and eye gaze are extremely effective ways of making a request or choice. For students who won't or can't use sign language, building their capacity to use gesture can make a big impact on their life. For example, once a student can use eye gaze to make a definite choice then they can learn to make choices across a wide range of activities.
Sign language is most powerful when it is combined with verbal communication and/or visual communication.
The button below links to a Signed English website.
Many students with special needs use gesture and body language to communicate their wants and needs. Pointing and eye gaze are extremely effective ways of making a request or choice. For students who won't or can't use sign language, building their capacity to use gesture can make a big impact on their life. For example, once a student can use eye gaze to make a definite choice then they can learn to make choices across a wide range of activities.
Sign language is most powerful when it is combined with verbal communication and/or visual communication.
The button below links to a Signed English website.
