Benefits+of+sign+language+in+the+classroom


 * Teaching strategies for people with mental disabilities:**

The acquisition of language and communication is a critical aspect of social development in typically developing children. However for children label with a disability it has become known that they have a deficit in this area. It has become clear that speech is not the only modality to communication but for students with a disability and there typically developing peers sign language is a known resource that can assist and ensure that all students are involved in the educational setting! The use of sign language in the educational setting allows students with a disability to:
 * Participate in society
 * Be treated with respect
 * Find themselves
 * Have social contacts
 * Make decisions on their own

It has become known that incorporating sign language into the educational setting assists with classroom management, as well as promotes long- term retention. [] I believe that this website highlights the importance of sign language in the classroom not only for children with a disability but also their typically developing peers.

Teaching resource: Incorporate sign language into the classroom through song. Examples:
 * Getting the children to sign and sing the months of the year.
 * Getting children to sign when reading books.
 * Incorporating sign videos into the classroom.

I believe that it is important to incorporate these resources as it allows children with a disability to feel included in the classroom, whilst also allowing their typically developing peers to develop an understanding and appreciation for individuality. It provides an avenue for human interaction whilst also building confidence in individuals as well as the confidence in their relationships. Research has shown that it is beneficial to incorporate sign language into the preschool setting as it is known to be most beneficial to learn language and communication through the use of different modes.

Example:

“…by 6 to 7 months, babies can remember a sign. At eight months, children can begin to imitate gestures and sign single words. By 24 months, children can sign compound words and full sentences. They say sign language reduces frustration in young children by giving them a means to express themselves before they know how to talk.” (Glarion, 2003).

[|**http://mrskilburnkiddos.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/using-sign-language-in-the-classroom/**] [|**http://www.educationoasis.com/resources/Articles/sign_language.htm**]
 * Resources:**