Why?

Why teach ASL to hearing children?

Even after they learn enough of a spoken language to be understood, children are still figuring out how to communicate. Social nuances, unspoken gestures and double meanings are lost on them. I teach grade 2 and 3 in an after school program and our curriculum includes outside play, snack, art, movie, games and drama. Why include ASL? I can't honestly say they will get a chance to use it, although they might run into someone who is deaf and be able to communicate. I guess I just have a huge love for ASL as a way to express myself, and I have a desire to share that with the kids. It's an amazing thing to be able to 'say' something with your hands. The kids love learning more and more signs and practicing on each other. It's like a secret code for them. And I enjoy teaching them that there are other cultures and differences between people. When I have my own children I am definately going to teach them to sign.