Learners in Te Pa Harakeke have been learning some sign language, including letters of the alphabet and key language to foster relationships / friendships, such as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Sign language can be used for people who are developing verbal communication skills.
This form of communication can facilitate a person’s attentiveness to the social gestures of others as well as to the social gestures of themselves. During assembly we have been running through the letters of the alphabet to all students, with the intention of children being able to sign their own name. Our Sign of the Fortnight is ‘my’ and ‘name’. Use the New Zealand Sign Language alphabet to support your child sign their name and to sign your own name. The New Zealand Sign Language Dictionary (www.nzsl.nz) is an excellent resource for learning signs.