Subjects:  English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Science

Learner Outcomes:

• The students will develop an understanding of the various types of communication.
• The students will describe the importance of their senses.
• The students will learn to interpret/read other types of language.
• The students will write in their journals using complete sentences and punctuation.
• The students will complete a kWh chart using their knowledge about sign language.

Materials:

• Sign Language poster
• journals
• k-w-l chart
• sign language quiz
• history of sign language

Teacher Notes:

• Internet permission slips
• Use large chart paper for the k-w-l chart

Procedures:

1. Students will complete the "k" of the k-w-l chart on what they know about sign language, then they will complete the "w" of the k-w-l chart..
2. Students will recall and discuss how Willy and his grandfather communicated with each other.
3. Students will listen to a brief history about sign language, and finish the "l" on the k-w-l chart.
4. Introduce the students to sign language by signing the alphabet, and using the sign language chart.
5. Divide the students into pairs so they will practice using the sign language alphabet.  While one student signs a letter or word  the other student can guess what they are signing.
6. After this activity, discuss with the students how they felt trying to understand without being able to hear, and how their other senses are involved.
7. Discuss with the students how they think adults feel when they lose their hearing, and then discuss how young children feel when they lose their hearing.  Then discuss how pets feel when they lose their hearing.  Compare and contrast these feelings.
8. The students will complete a quiz on reading signs.  They will use the sign language chart to help answer their picture questions.
9. The students will write in their journals about how they would feel if they lost their hearing and how they would communicate with others.

• Provide a paper chart of the signs and leave posted in the room.
• Work with other students on the computer to complete the worksheet.
• Use journaling prompts for students who need ideas for writing.

• Students will choose a children's literature book to sign to their classmates.
• Students will test their abilities to read signs by taking the wizard quiz.
• Students will spend a day communicating with others without talking, then write a story about their experiences.

West Virginia IGO's:
English/Language Arts:  1.6, 1.13, 1.14, 1.16, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23, 1.26. 1.31, 1.35, 1.74, 1.77, 1.78, 1.79, 1.96, 1.97, 1.99, 2.39, 2.76, 2.77, 2.95, 2.96, 3.19, 3.5, 3.20, 3.24, 3.26, 3.27, 3.44, 3.45
Social Studies:
1.12, 1.19, 2.9, 3.10,
Science:
1.3, 1.13, 1.17, 1.29, 2.3, 2.13, 2.15, 3.6, 3.39,

National Standards:
English/Language Arts:
1.  Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
3.  Uses the grammatical and mechanical conventions in written compositions.
5.  Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process.
7.  Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts.
8.  Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes.
Science:
6.  Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment.
Working With Others:
3.  Works well with diverse individuals and in diverse situations.
4.  Displays effective interpersonal communication skills.
 

References:

• Animated American Sign Language
• American Sign Language

Created by:

• Debbie Conover
• Barb Haney
• Margie Suder