Two schools in Taupō celebrated NZ Sign Language Week by learning about NZ Sign Language and Deaf culture and practising them in their classrooms.

During NZ Sign Language Week, 2 students from the BOP Central region have shown their abilities to use sign language within their school settings.

At Wairakei Primary School, Lexi used her new learning about NZ Sign Language to prepare and present sign language classes and to talk about Deaf culture to students in a number of classrooms. She had to organise a timetable for classroom teachers so she could visit them when it suited that class. Of course, she checked that it was okay with her own teacher as well. She involved students and her Teacher Aide in planning and organising key aspects of her presentation so that she would got across the main points of NZSL and Deaf culture. She was asked to come back later in the week to see who signed their name correctly and presented a prize to them. This was an awesome way in which Lexi, who is quite shy, was able to show her abilities and develop confidence in presenting to others.

Charlotte and her intermediate class at Hilltop School were quizzed on their knowledge of NZSL and watched a video showcasing the challenges of hearing and lip-reading, explaining why Deaf people use sign language to communicate. After a brief lesson, Charlotte and her classmates keenly practised greeting and introducing themselves in NZSL. Their excitement and learning increased further when they played Sign Ninja. During intervals, some wandered around the class, eagerly scanning the QR codes on Ko Taku Reo's NZSL posters to learn more signs. By the following week, a few of those students were taking NZ Sign Language as an elective, teaching themselves NZSL using some online learning resources, Learn NZSL and Thumbs Up!