We have started to use Sign Language in our classroom! Let's face it...first graders need to get their wiggles out sometimes! Using sign language allows them to move while we are singing songs, walking down the hallway, or while they are trying to ask me questions.
There are a few signs that we use regularly in our room. If you ask your child how to say "bathroom", "thirsty", "more", "please", "stop", "yes", "no", "wait", or "sit", they should be able to show you most or all of them. These really come in handy, especially when I am talking to the whole group, but need to communicate something briefly with a student who has an immediate need. For example, if I am teaching the whole group a lesson, but every 5 minutes a student has to use the bathroom, I would have to take 30 seconds of instruction time to let them ask the question and answer them. Trust me, the 30 second intervals will add up when you have 28 six and seven year olds! When using sign language, they can silently show me the sign for "bathroom" and I can sign to them "yes" or "wait" without stopping the lesson at all.
They have really enjoyed learning our transition songs too! So far, we know the Silly Pizza Song, and The More We Get Together. They might be able to perform these for your families by now!
The following video is a great resource to use with all children, even little ones who aren't speaking yet. Try some of these signs at home!
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