Language Separation

On September 14, 2005 during the Half Day, the team 1/2/3 had a workshop about Considerations for Integrating Spoken Language into the Educational Program. Susanne Scott, an Outreach Specialist for Cochlear Implant Center, presented and explained the importance of how to identify our students as visual or auditory learners. Some students are proficient in both, whereas others have obvious strengths in one area or the other. The teachers and speech professionals’ work together to meet students’ need.

In Lisa Pershan’s class they had a discussion about the language zones (areas) in the classroom: English and ASL zones in the classroom. The students know where to speak, listen, fingerspell and write which is in the English zones. They also know where to sign or permitted to sign. The purposes of the language separation is so that the students can see two separate languages are used in their learning, to gain critical skills, to promote their metacognitive skills, and to appreciate using two languages.

The Importance of Eye Contact

Eye contact skills are critical for our students to build up in order to view their primary language, L1, American Sign Language. Building up viewing skills allows them to absorb much world knowledge as much as the child can.

In Team 1/2/3 the professionals and teachers use different strategies to get students’ eye contact for attention.

Here are some techinques teachers use:

-Kneeling to student's eye level one on one.
-Tapping on the student’s shoulder to get attention.
-Kneeling down between two individual desks in order to talk to two students at the same time.
-Asking the students to raise their hand in order to quiet down and pay attention.
-Asking students, “What did I say?”
-Standing quietly in the front of the room with arms folded to get the students to pay attention.
-When reading aloud hide the picture or text of the book to help students maintain their focus on what the teacher is saying.
-Using sign, [LOOK AT ME]
-Commenting, “I am not finished signing/talking” when a student looks away.

It would be nice if you, as a parent or a guardian, utilized some of these different strategies so your child can practice viewing.

Introduction

The purpose of the Team 1/2/3 Blog is to share what the team is doing. Also, as team leader, I may also like to share important messages for educators and parents.

We welcome your comments about the activities/events happening on team 1/2/3. Please understand that we reserve the right to delete any comments that we may find inappropriate.

Enjoy reading our blog.

Francisca Rangel,
Team Leader