Signing a children's book to kids.
Last week I got asked to visit an elementary school during "Reading Week" to sign a children's book in ASL. I'd known of people doing this before but had never done it myself until now! It was a last minute request but I accepted the challenge & interpreted one of my favorite children's books the night before I presented. I decided on The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
The next day I presented to a 4th, 3rd, and special needs classroom. I was excited yet apprehensive about how it would go, but was pleasantly surprised when everyone (teachers, students, librarians) was supportive & eager to watch! For one of the classes, I even got to present in the courtyard where the weather was amazing, the lighting was perfect, and I felt super inspired by my surroundings (i.e., there was a tree behind me).
The special ed teacher got teary-eyed as she watched & mentioned it was one of her very favorite books (mine too). She also commented on how the school's Speech Pathologist used sign language with the kids even though she wasn't allowed to by the school district. I saw a little sneak preview into what it might be for me one day-- rebellious ASL-friendly SLP.
Ooo! And funny... in the 3rd grade classroom, it was Q&A time when all of a sudden the kids started signing this patriotic song in sign language that their music teacher had taught them! It was totally adorable!
Overall, I felt very inspired & enjoyed the experience. Knowing it was enjoyable for them made it all the more special. I hope that wherever the D/HH kids are in the school district, their librarians, teachers, & SLPs are also inviting ASL into their classrooms with open arms.
