Written by: Tiffany Ahmann - Prairie Rose Elementary Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
When I tell people my job, a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for Dickinson Public Schools, the response is often, “We have deaf students here?” Yes, we sure do, and we are doing some great things!
Recently my elementary students and I have been creating a Handshape Wall for our classroom. The Handshape Wall is created using American Sign Language (ASL). All languages have building blocks that create words and sentences. ASL words are composed of building blocks called parameters. One sign is created from the combination of four parameters: handshape, palm orientation, movement and location.
For example, I provide the ‘u’ handshape to my students, and they identify all the signs that use that handshape – egg, fun, funny, hospital, name, signature, build, uncle, butter, tape… Creating a wall of words from their language allows them to see how many signs there are from one handshape as well as increase their vocabulary.
Not only do we have deaf students at DPS, but we also have some great ones that are learning a lot! Did you know that American Sign Language is used by 250,000-500,000 people of all ages throughout the United States and Canada? It is the third most commonly used language in the United States! Plus, ASL is not only used by the Deaf but also by people that do not speak, some blind students (3D version of the handshapes), and even babies at four months or older! It is extremely useful with the addition of face masks, and it is kind to know the basics. If you meet a Deaf person, they may appreciate you so much more for knowing how to say "Thank you, You're Welcome, Hello, and Goodbye". If you’ve ever had an interest in learning American Sign Language, it’s never too late to start! Contact ND School for the Deaf/Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, ndsd.school@k12.nd.us, for their Basic Sign Language Level 1 & 2 classes available online to watch from anywhere, at any time, day or night.