Tiny+talk+-+non+verbal+communication

Tiny talk - sign language cards
Website: [|www.tinytalk.com.au]

This resource is a collection of sign cards, using a combination of Auslan (Australian sign Language) sings and universal gestures. There are 2 sets of cards available (both are in the form of the written word or concept, accompanied by a photograph of a person demonstrating the corresponding sign): One set consists of basic words (sheep, door, book, etc), the other has simple communication key words (hello, thank you, finished, etc).

In my view this resource is best seen as an introduction to sign language. The widely accepted philosophy of "Total Communication" (Ashman and Elkins, 1998) emphasises communication as the right of every deaf child, meaning that every child should have access to a communication method, or a mixture of methods that most suits the child. As with any language, signing is only an effective communication method if the person you are communicating with has developed knowledge of this language.

The web site focuses mainly on communicating with children in the pre-verbal stage (babies) through signing and the use of "Tiny talk" sign cards, and this resource is therefore suitable for all ages (babies and up). I have used the cards with Preschool age children as a group activity. It is a useful tool to create awareness of speech/hearing impairment and it is an opportunity for the children to learn a new skill. I have found that the children usually engage in this activity with enthusiasm, and they love the sense of achievement that comes with memorising a substantial amount of signs in a relatively short period. I vary the way I use the cards. Sometimes I might show the children the picture of the sign, or make the sign myself, and see if the children can guess what it means. Other times we might choose three words and practice the corresponding sign. Sometimes we might revisit the signs learned, where I will say the word and the children make the sign. Whichever way we use the resource, it is usually a fun and interactive group session. The cards are also suitable to be displayed in the room on the wall. While engaging in these activities there is plenty of opportunity for discussion about people with disabilities, and by learning about this at a young age, I feel that it helps children to be accepting, non-judgemental and inclusive towards people with disabilities. In addition the children will have gained knowledge of some 'basic' signing, which may help them if, at some stage in their lives they need/want to communicate with a person who is deaf or has a hearing disability.

Esmee Braakman

Ref: [|www.tinytalk.com.au] accessed 4/7/2011

Ashman, A & Elkins,J. (1998) //Educating children with special needs (3rd edition).// Australia: Prentice Hall Australia, Pty Ltd