Creating Storybooks for Deaf and Hearing Children

It is story time! It is so important that children are read too. Reading, is everything. Reading books to children at home, equips children for their education and opens up the entire world for them. However, many parents with deaf and hard of hearing children do not read to their child. They do not know how.

Shared Reading was created by Gallaudet University to instill parents with the tools to read to their children. This program has been successful in giving parents the tools they need to share the joy of reading with their family.

Why should parents use Shared Reading?

Deaf children read, on the average, at the fourth-grade-level when they graduate from high school.

We know that early booksharing experiences contribute to higher reading ability in school.

Many parents do not know how to share books with their young deaf and hard of hearing children.

If parents can learn how to share books, the reading ability of deaf and hard of hearing children should improve.

You are going to write, create a book and read to children in a different way! ASL!

Not only will you have the opportunity to create a wonderful book, you will translate it and sign it in ASL so it is accessible to both Deaf and Hearing children.

Here are some great ideas for helping you develop your story. Be sure your story has a valuable lesson.

1-Apple pie, pumpkin pie, cherry pie, too!
2-Grandma has diabetes
3-The biggest bubble
4-Debbie's big day
5-Mommy's birthday present surprise
6-There's a skeleton in my closet
7-Where does the sun sleep?
8-I feel happy, I feel sad
9-My upside down day
10-Lemons in the coffee?(crazy things in odd places)
11-My own little garden
12-Jessica goes to kindergarden
13-Painting is fun
14-She sews satin on the sofa eating a sandwich(consonant connotations)
15-lets make a collage
16-Danny goes to the pet store
17-Swimming lessons are fun
18-A puppet show for the neighborhood
19-No girls allowed
20-Hide and seek
21-My baby brother
22-Twinkie and her magic flute
23-Laugh, laugh, laugh
24-My sleepy time book
25-The day I was a super hero!
26-Clown for a day
27-Bubbles, bubbles everywhere
28-Mudpies and grass salad
29-Kristen's lemonade stand
30-The boy who loved candy bars
31-Ouch, my leg hurts!
32-My little friend
33-Miss Molly comes to visit
34-Keep Out!
35-Muffie's new bed
36-Fluffy, scratchy, sticky(different feelings or textures)
37-Baby's outing
38-Anna's loves dots
39-My cousin Ryan
40-The secret of Steeple Hill
41-364 days until Christmas
42-My key collection
43-My bike is gone!
44-Gone fishing
45-My day at the office with dad
46-There's a cow in my bedroom!
47-Shhh! Everyone's sleeping.
48-Chickenpox? Oh no!
49-A visit to the doctor
50-Megan and Katie, best friends

Use your imagination. Soon your thoughts and ideas will be flowing freely. Start creating your book now, don't procrastinate. Happy writing!

What are you writing about? How will you incorporate ASL grammar into your story?

Need help? Ask students here!

Giving and Recieving Directions in ASL

Directions are not easy for ASL students to learn. I have provided you with clips of students giving directions. I have also included the clip I showed in class so you may view it again to help you develop your directions siging skills.

Practice signing how to get to these locations for Friday. (use our room as your starting point)
-Library
-Somers Lounge
-Mail room
-Chapel

Please ask each other questions about the clips as well as any questions you may have in regards to giving directions in ASL. The clips include a range of skill levels, keep in mind what components make good directions when using ASL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9gi1fBl_kI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XMFDPQPiE4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1HwHVKIvko&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQc2qR_cf1c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F9hONoo_iU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9gi1fBl_kI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5ocbOgj0Gg

Remember:

*landmarks (Deaf people tend to sign directions more like women do!)
*indexing as well as signing LEFT and RIGHT
*facial grammar for near and far
*using classifiers A and 5
*Move body as you are explaing directions
*starting point
*use body
*explain where not to go

Cochlear Implants-From a Deaf Perspective

Can you imagine having a baby that was born deaf and have no knowledge of what to do or even how to deal with their deafness. When a child is born deaf, most hearing parents have no knowledge of sign language or that there is even a culture that exists. Parents are often devastated beyond belief and consumed with grief. They want their child to hear as they do, they want to sing them lullabies, they want read books to them, they want them to know their name, and they want them to talk. They fear they will never be able to bond properly with their child because a huge barrier is standing in their way, communication. They research for something to give their child the ability to hear.

We are seeing more and more deaf children being implanted with cochlear implants and oral methods being focused on rather than sign language and exposure to Deaf Culture. Often times, these parents are persuaded not to use sign with their children, as it will hinder their auditory and speech training. The Deaf community sees this as a tragedy and not allowing the child to know their true identity as a Deaf person.

When a baby is born deaf to Deaf parents, there is celebration and often relief. Learning your child is hearing, can be as devastating for deaf parents as it is when hearing parents learn that their child is deaf.

Cochlear implants are controversial for obvious reasons. The Deaf community does not like to see members of their community not to be given their right to be who they believe they truly are, Deaf.

Please watch this clip and post your comments. Be warned this video clip may cause very strong emotions. Please feel that your comments, whatever they may be are safe here and I wish you to discuss your feelings, thoughts, and opinions freely.

My Son Is Deaf, Finally! (Subtitled)comments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YN5Fdz1En0&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Stateschools for the Deaf

While watching the film in class called, "Children of a Lesser God," you were exposed to a stateschool for Deaf children and teenagers. Stateschools are so important to the Deaf Community as well as the Culture. These schools are like the Mecca of Deaf Culture. Yet, parents have more options now, and so therefore we are seeing more Deaf children attending public schools which result in lower enrollments in stateschools and therefore these schools are being shut down.

What is happening? Accommodations are being offered.
Accommodations such as sign language interpreters, notetakes, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing teachers are placed for equal participation in their classrooms. In the past, these accommodations were not an option so parents had no choice but to send their children away.

Now with the options parents have, mainstreaming is becoming increasingly popular. However, mainstreaming deaf children can be very difficult because the may experience isolation and feel very different among their hearing peers. With the core of Deaf Culture and ASL stemming from stateschools, these children are not exposed to a very important part of who they are and their identities as a Deaf person.

The options are not easy for parents to pick from. Sending your child away to live at school at a very young age; is very hard. I have been faced this very decision with my own daughter. She is currently placed in a public school and has all the accommodations she needs. She has a Deaf mom and Deaf pride is very much a part of who she is. She identifies as Deaf and is proud of that. However, interactions among her peers are difficult. She does experience isolation at school regardless of how hard everyone tries to include her. It is difficult as her mother knowing this and I often feel guilty that I have made the choices I have. I know what she feels because I was mainstreamed. But family is what I wanted her to experience and know, just as my parents wanted for me. She came to me at the age of 5 with no knowledge of what a family is or what it even means. So I made the decision that I did. However, this does not mean that she will always be in the public school setting. She may go to the Minnesota Deaf School in time. We will just have to wait and see.

Information from:
http://www.msad.state.mn.us/index.aspx

Please browse their website as well.

Here is a little information about The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf.

"Building our Future Together"

The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf (MSAD) enrolled its first student in 1863 and takes pride in a rich tradition of serving the educational, social and emotional needs of deaf and hard of hearing students throughout the state of Minnesota.

Located on a beautiful 40-acre campus in the community of Faribault in southeastern Minnesota, the campus features historic limestone buildings nestled among mature oak and maple trees along a circular drive.

Mission Statement
The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf in collaboration with students, families and school districts creates a comprehensive, learning and signing community in a residential environment. MSAD prepares deaf and hard of hearing students to reach their fullest potential by promoting communicative, intellectual, social, physical,
and emotional development in every
aspect of its programs

Residential Program
The Residential Program offers a multitude of learning opportunities to enhance personal growth and development. Through teaching and by guiding; our students receive support which enables them to build and strengthen self confidence and independence. We take pride in our safe, healthy and positive homelike atmosphere where family values are highly respected.

After school socialization offers an opportunity for students to establish and nurture peer relations. The bonds and friendships that are formed will often last throughout adult life. Sportsmanship and teamwork are emphasized in our activities. The staff provide a variety of activities to meet each students personality. Some of our intramural activities include; volleyball, flag football, softball, dodgeball and kickball. In cooperation with Faribault Community Services and under the guidance of our Athletic Director the residential staff coach flag/cub football and volley ball. We have staff certified to train in Firearm Safety, ATV Safety and Snowmobile Safety. A craft room area and weight/exercise rooms are available to all students. Our Semi Independent Living Program offers an opportunity to participate in an apartment living experience. In this program we teach basic living skills such as laundry care, grocery shopping, cooking and housekeeping. “Create a Family” dining occurs weekly. The family structures that have been created are diverse and include varying ages and gender. Our goal is to encourage table etiquette, responsibility and sharing.


In support of the academics program the dormitories have established consistent daily study time routines. In addition; we are proud to offer the Clarence and Elizabeth Sommer Education Center. This area; located in Frechette Hall and staffed by licensed teachers, is available Mon-Thurs 3:30-9:30PM. The Center also includes a computer lab equipped with cutting edge computer hardware and software.


Dormitories are open on return days at 5PM. They are closed on weekends at the end of the school week. You may refer to the MSAD Student Handbook for additional information regarding dormitory rules or guidelines. Further inquires can be directed to Kathy Wente, Residential Hall Director, 507-384-6670 (voice) or 507-412-5108 (VP)

Here is an example of a statschool for the deaf that is located in Washington D.C. it is called, Model Secondary School for the Deaf. Below is a video of the school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvcc8gpiHF8

What would you do if you were faced with this decision as a parent? (I understand this may be hard as many of you are not parents, but try to look into your future a bit and answer this or think of your parents and discuss what you think they would do)

Which school would you prefer to attend if you were Deaf? Think about it in a different perspective, as a hearing person would you want to go to a Deaf school? What would you feel there? Ponder on these questions and post your comments. Please feel free to post any other comments you may have to each other or to me as well. If you have a question in your post be sure to list that in the beginning like this.

I HAVE QUESTIONS BELOW
Happy Learning!

Deaflympics!

This week we are learning sport signs in ASL and we are approaching the olympics! I thought this was the perfect time to introduce you to the Deaflympics.

The information is directly taken from:
http://www.disabled-world.com/sports/deaflympics/taipei-2009/

The latest entry figures for the Taipei Deaflympics, which will take place from Sept. 5 to 15 2009. ICSD has confirmed that 3985 athletes from 81 countries have already entered to compete in 20 sport events.

2801 people have signed up to become volunteers, and are currently going through training at Taipei Municipal University of Education and National Taipei University of Education. Plans are in the works to also recruit 50 international volunteers to help out with the competition.

The Deaflympics started in 1924 and is the fastest growing multiple sport event in the world. It is a place where deaf people come together and celebrate their differences and compete for gold on an equal playing field against other deaf athletes.

In 2009 more than 3000 athletes from over 65 countries will compete. The Deaflympics comes under the umbrella of the IOC but are run by Deaf people for the Deaf.

The first World Games for the Deaf had under 200 contestants from ewer than ten countries; modern Deaflympics events feature thousands of deaf and hard of hearing athletes from multiple countries.

President Ma Ying-jeou said that hosting the Deaflympics will not only thrust Taipei onto the international stage and provide an excellent opportunity to introduce Taiwan to the world, but increase international community's understanding of the country. "I hope that next year with the Kaohsiung City hosting the 2009 World Games in July and Taipei City hosting the Deaflympics in Taipei in September, Taiwan will once again be on the international stage and let the world know that Taiwan will never be absent from major international sporting events," Ma said at an event to mark the beginning of the one-year countdown to the 21st Deaflympics.

The international sports event for people who are hearing impaired will be held in Taipei from Sept. 5-15, 2009.

"Through the Deaflympics, we hope everyone can get to see the modern and rich culture of Taipei City," Ma added.

To highlight the significance of the event, the president began his speech using sign language to say "I am Ma Ying-jeou, and I’ll take part in the 2009 Taipei Deaflympis." He received loud applause from the audience.

Named host city for the 21st Summer Deaflympics in 2003, Taipei is the first city in Asia to host the Deaflympics games, marking a historic milestone for the hosting of international sporting events in Taiwan.

Noting that the theme of Deaflympics is "Equality through sports," Ma said athletes should have the spirit to "fight to the end and never give up" just like Taiwanese taekwondo Olympian Su Li-wen, who fought to the last minute and nearly won a bronze medal despite painful and crippling injuries.

Su, along with two Taiwanese Olympic bronze medalists Chen Wei-ling and Lu Ying chi, also attended the countdown event to call on the general public to take part in the 2009 Deaflympics.

International film stars Jackie Chan and noted actress Lin Ching-hsia were also at the activity.

Action star Chan told the audience that he has one deaf ear after falling down from a tree while shooting a movie in Yugoslavia in 1987. But he has overcome the inconvenience of losing hearing in one ear.

"Never give up and you will be the winner," he said.

After singing the theme song of the 2009 Deaflympics "Power in Me," Ma, Chan and other participants at the event together activated a 365-day-countdown clock and wished for a smooth and successful games.

Around 4,000 athletes from 80 countries are expected to take part in the 2009 Taipei Deaflympics. They will compete in 20 sporting categories.

The Deaflympics date back to 1924 when the first Summer Deaflympics were held in Paris, France. In 1995 the Games received official recognition by the International Olympic Committee. Today, 96 national deaf sports federations are members of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf.

The Deaflympic games are more than simply athletics and sports. They provide an arena for Deaf people to meet, communicate, network and socialise with other Deaf people. This social interaction is seen as a vital part of the games.


Please comment on the information that I provided you as well as the videoclips below.

Opening Ceremony

http://videos.disabled-world.com/video/186/deaflympics-opening-taipei-2009

Jackie Chan and Deaf Olympics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqFZc5eRAMc&feature=related

Here is the official website for the Deaflmpics
http://english.2009deaflympics.org/bin/home.php