Class descriptions

These classes run in either 4-,8- or 10-week sessions. The 4-week sessions are run in 2 parts.

In our classes, you will learn over 100 signs to use with your child. Classes are 45 minutes long and are created for parents/caregivers and babies. In a playful, educational and language-rich environment, caregivers and children will build their American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary through instruction, interactive games and songs. What will you be gaining from each class?

• Learning recommended first signs
• Discussing the benefits of using ASL with infants
• Demonstrating easy techniques for successfully integrating signs into everyday life

Some of the ASL vocabulary covered for this age group includes:

• Everyday words and food
• Family and animals
• Emotions and opposites
• Bed time and play signs

All of our classes include a full-colour MSH® curriculum book with a CD of the songs we teach. The books have pictures of the signs learned along with descriptions for easy reference long after the class is over!

These classes are designed for graduates of the My Smart Hands® Level I class or for infants with basic ASL comprehension. Level II  classes run in either 4-, 8- or 10-week sessions. In level II, you will learn over 120 signs to use with your child. Classes are 45 minutes in length. We will review signs learned in My Smart Hands® Level I and continue to build our signing vocabulary.

Weekly themes covered in more depth in Level II classes include:

• People
• Food
• Animals
• Emotions
• Opposites
• Weather
• Colour signs

All of our classes include a full-colour MSH® curriculum book. The books have pictures of the signs learned along with descriptions for easy reference long after the class is over!

The Level III classes are designed specifically for preschoolers aged 3 to 5.  The instructor teaches directly to the children, and parents and caregivers act as “teachers’ aides” during the class, helping the children with in-class songs and activities.

Children do NOT need to have taken Levels I and II to join this class; however, children who have gone through the first two Levels will be slightly ahead of children who haven’t taken them.  These classes run in 8-week sessions. You will learn over 100 signs, as well as sing songs and read books not learned in Level I or II.  Classes are 30-45 minutes in length.

Weekly themes covered in class include:

• Life together
• Shapes
• Questions
• Days of the week
• Clothes
• Community helpers
• Places we go
• Sports

Young children are active, creative and spontaneous. They love to sing, listen to music and dance to different songs that have various rhythms and beats.  For a very long time, children have loved to put actions to songs such as ‘The Itsy Bitsy Spider’ and ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.’ In the ‘Sign & Sing’ class, we teach the ASL signs that go along with traditional childrens’ songs and learn new and current songs as well.  We will learn how to sign the key words in each song, play games, read books and review signs.  But more importantly, we will laugh and have FUN!

These workshops are geared towards busy parents who are unable to take a full 8-week class. You can still learn how to enrich your child’s language development by increasing vocabulary and building self-confidence through the use of American Sign Language (ASL). You will learn recommended first signs and easy techniques for successfully integrating signs into everyday life.

This workshop is an introduction to the benefits of using ASL with your child. Children are not only auditory learners, they also learn visually and kinesthetically (through touch and experience). Using sign language with your child encompasses all learning styles. Your child will hear you when you say the word, then they will see you make the sign and will also experience and feel the word as they learn to sign.

Over 100 signs will be introduced. Fee includes a full-colour MSH® curriculum book.

These workshops are designed to give teachers the tools to incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) into their current school curriculum. As educators, we know that there are different types of learning styles in the classroom, including auditory, visual and kinesthetic. Using sign language in your program encompasses all learning styles.

The students will hear you when you say the word, then they will see you make the sign and will experience and feel the word as they learn to sign. These workshops are designed to suit the specific needs of the school, including adherence to curriculum guidelines and availability of resources. Teachers will learn about the research supporting the use of sign language in the classroom, and they will be provided with vocabulary specific to classroom use.