Learning ASL… Week One.

This is the first week of my learning assignment. I have chosen Sign Language as my chosen task. When I went online, I actually found an abundant amount of resources for learning sign language. Some were paid websites, and others were free. Obviously, I am looking for learning for free versions. I would like to take and actual sign language course again, but I would prefer it was in person. As I mentioned earlier in my first blog, I have a personal connection ( My friend) for wanting to learn sign language, but I do have other reasons. I feel that knowing sign language would benefit me as a teacher. As an Autistic person myself, and a person who has practiced sign language, I feel it has some benefits. This blog – Special Learning House sums it up fairly well.

10 BENEFITS OF SIGN LANGUAGE IN THE CLASSROOM

• Increase communication
• Decrease frustration
• Build imitation skills
• Build social skills (other students are also provided with a clear way to communicate with special needs, non verbal students)
• Increase interaction
• Provide more learning opportunities
• Help special needs students integrate into your classroom more easily
• Provide input in a visual way which is particularly well adapted for autistic learners
• Increase sensitivity of all students to learners with autism and other special needs
• Increase happiness and harmony in your classroom

These advantages of sign language communication for children with autism makes it important to learn sign language if you are working with autistic students.

I feel that sign language has benefits for neurotypical students as well.. but more about that next week. In the meantime.. Here is the website I will be learning sign language from this week. It is Lingvano.com  My first lessons will include how to greet people in American Sign Language…. In the meantime.. Here is a poster from Special Learning House with some signs you can use with autistic students. Some may be modified.