This document discusses using sign language in baby and toddler storytimes. It recommends choosing a few signs to use consistently in programs to stimulate language development and communication. Tips are provided on learning signs from various resources and practicing their introduction and use within storytime activities. Expanding sign language use can engage more participants, including those with special needs.

1. Liven Up Baby andLiven Up Baby and
Toddler Storytimes withToddler Storytimes with
Sign LanguageSign Language
Presented byPresented by
Kathy MacMillanKathy MacMillan

2. Who is this woman?Who is this woman?
Kathy MacMillan, M.L.S., N.I.C.Kathy MacMillan, M.L.S., N.I.C.
Author of:Author of:
Founder of Stories By Hand:Founder of Stories By Hand:
www.storiesbyhand.comwww.storiesbyhand.com

3. Why use sign language in yourWhy use sign language in your
programs?programs?
 The popularity of baby sign languageThe popularity of baby sign language
 Children can sign before they canChildren can sign before they can
speakspeak
 Stimulates language developmentStimulates language development
 Empowers young children toEmpowers young children to
communicatecommunicate
 Reduces frustrationReduces frustration
 Enhances language and social skillsEnhances language and social skills

4. Why use sign language in yourWhy use sign language in your
programs?programs?
 Provides a language bridge betweenProvides a language bridge between
English and other spoken languagesEnglish and other spoken languages
 Helps with problem solvingHelps with problem solving
 Helps children identify and manageHelps children identify and manage
emotionsemotions
 Enhances spoken vocabularyEnhances spoken vocabulary
 Enhances reading skillsEnhances reading skills
 Allows special needs children toAllows special needs children to
participateparticipate

5. Why use sign language in yourWhy use sign language in your
programs?programs?
 It’s popular with every age groupIt’s popular with every age group
 Adds a multicultural aspect to yourAdds a multicultural aspect to your
programsprograms
 Gives your programs a “competitiveGives your programs a “competitive
edge”edge”
 It makes programs instantlyIt makes programs instantly
participativeparticipative
 It’s FUN!It’s FUN!

6. Why use American SignWhy use American Sign
Language?Language?
 It’s a language!It’s a language!
 Teaches a valuable skillTeaches a valuable skill
 Shows respect for Deaf cultureShows respect for Deaf culture

7. Some background aboutSome background about
Deafness and ASLDeafness and ASL
 ASL and English are 2 separateASL and English are 2 separate
languageslanguages
 Sign language is NOT universalSign language is NOT universal
 A central value of Deaf CultureA central value of Deaf Culture
 Deaf vs. deafDeaf vs. deaf

8. STEP 1: Decide which signsSTEP 1: Decide which signs
you want to use in your programyou want to use in your program
 Limit it to what you can handleLimit it to what you can handle
 Consider starting small and buildingConsider starting small and building
on your list each weekon your list each week
 Choose signs you can repeatChoose signs you can repeat
throughout the programthroughout the program
 Choose signs that will be meaningfulChoose signs that will be meaningful
to your audienceto your audience
 Be prepared to adapt your listBe prepared to adapt your list

9. STEP 2: Learn the SignsSTEP 2: Learn the Signs
 BooksBooks
 Videos/DVDsVideos/DVDs
 WebsitesWebsites
 SoftwareSoftware
 ClassesClasses
 Friends/familyFriends/family
www.aslpro.com
www.signingsavvy.com
www.aslnook.com

10. STEP 3: Practice your signsSTEP 3: Practice your signs
 Practice your sign productionPractice your sign production
– Dominant hand movesDominant hand moves
 Practice how you will teach/explainPractice how you will teach/explain
the signsthe signs
– Allow enough time for the children toAllow enough time for the children to
copycopy
– Check their signs for accuracyCheck their signs for accuracy
 Don’t always voiceDon’t always voice

11. STEP 4: Practice introducingSTEP 4: Practice introducing
sign language in contextsign language in context
 Call it by name: American SignCall it by name: American Sign
Language or ASLLanguage or ASL
 Acknowledge that it is mostly usedAcknowledge that it is mostly used
by deaf peopleby deaf people
 Incorporate practical information forIncorporate practical information for
parentsparents

12. STEP 5: Provide Follow-upSTEP 5: Provide Follow-up
 Repeat the signs throughout theRepeat the signs throughout the
programprogram
 Provide handouts showing signs orProvide handouts showing signs or
more information about using signsmore information about using signs
with young childrenwith young children
 Share library materials about signingShare library materials about signing
 Build your signing vocabulary weekBuild your signing vocabulary week
to week and repeat/reinforce pastto week and repeat/reinforce past
weeks’ signsweeks’ signs

13. Some Hands-On IdeasSome Hands-On Ideas
 Openings and ClosingsOpenings and Closings
 BooksBooks
 StorytellingStorytelling
 Bounces and RhymesBounces and Rhymes
 SongsSongs
 Prop ActivitiesProp Activities
 CountingCounting
 ColorsColors

14. Using Signs in Group ManagementUsing Signs in Group Management
 Provides a visual cueProvides a visual cue
 Works on older kids too!Works on older kids too!
 Excellent for ADHD, special needsExcellent for ADHD, special needs
 Cuts down on the naggingCuts down on the nagging

15. Expanding Your ResourcesExpanding Your Resources
 Non-children’s staffNon-children’s staff
 VolunteersVolunteers
 Parent volunteersParent volunteers
 Outside groupsOutside groups
– Scout groups & other community groupsScout groups & other community groups
– School groupsSchool groups
– Deaf groupsDeaf groups
 Grow your own volunteersGrow your own volunteers

16. Resources to Know: VideoResources to Know: Video
 Signing Time!Signing Time! Series (DVD andSeries (DVD and
streaming)streaming)
 Sign with Robert: Babies andSign with Robert: Babies and
ChildrenChildren (DVD and streaming)(DVD and streaming)
 ASL Nook: online at aslnook.comASL Nook: online at aslnook.com

17. Resources to Know: BooksResources to Know: Books
 Little Hands & Big HandsLittle Hands & Big Hands by Kathyby Kathy
MacMillanMacMillan
 Storytime Magic, More Storytime Magic,Storytime Magic, More Storytime Magic,
andand Baby Storytime MagicBaby Storytime Magic by Kathyby Kathy
MacMillan & Christine KirkerMacMillan & Christine Kirker
 Baby FingersBaby Fingers books by Lora Hellerbooks by Lora Heller
 Baby Sign Language Basics and Songs forBaby Sign Language Basics and Songs for
Little HandsLittle Hands by Monta Z. Briantby Monta Z. Briant

18. Questions?Questions?

19. THANK YOU!THANK YOU!
For more American Sign LanguageFor more American Sign Language
resources, please seeresources, please see
www.storiesbyhand.comwww.storiesbyhand.com..
For more great storytime suggestions,For more great storytime suggestions,
please seeplease see www.storytimestuff.netwww.storytimestuff.net..