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View Full Version : Baby signing teachers-how do you balance new signs and activities?



dmmetler
11-07-2005, 03:41 PM
I'm bringing this over from the commercial board, since I'm not sure where it really should be-moderators, feel free to move it back or delete this copy if I'm wrong.

My parents are constantly asking for more, more more signs, and as a result, I'm getting through fewer of the activities, which are really what the focus of the class is supposed to be-giving parents ways to integrate signs into their baby's life so that their child will be successful. Yes, I can give them signs, but I'd rather see them use Signing time or a website like ASLpro to add new signs to their vocabulary, and use the songs and games as ways to engage their child.

On the other hand, my parents seem to really enjoy the class, and are full of praise as to what their child is doing at home, so something is working.

How many activities are reasonable for a 45 minute class? The curriculum I use has 4-5 large group and 4-5 small group activities in each class period, and incorporates around 8-10 new signs in a lesson. Right now, I'm getting 4-5 activities total in, but teaching many, many more signs. Last week, for example, we went through most of the color and movement word signs while doing an activity which was really supposed to work on BALL, GO, STOP, MORE, WANT etc. Instead, we ended up talking about the colors of the balls, the size of the balls, were the balls bouncing? rolling? etc.

Any ideas?

Teresa Jo
11-07-2005, 06:37 PM
I don't teach a baby signing class, but as you mentioned your parents are enjoying your class and the kids are evidently learning. So, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! While your activites aren't how your envisioned, they must still be accomplishing your goal.

momgael
11-11-2005, 06:01 AM
It sounds like you have a wonderful curriculum and teaching style that parents enjoy.

For my classes, I load the educational piece in the beginning and put the vocab on the end. IE. teach the 'how to' in the first 15-20 minutes and then focus on vocabulary and Q&A. Plus, I provide handouts on the meat and potatoes (education) so it can be referred back to by parents.

Don't know if that helps, but it works for me. Oh, and I don't do a ton of games anymore, it seemed like everyone wanted more vocabulary than memory activities...at least in the classes I have done.