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Ms. Alfano’s Classroom Edit display name

  • Doswell E Brooks Elementary School
  • Capitol Hgts., MD
  • More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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My students and their families are beginning sign language users that are building the vocabulary needed to communicate with each other and their families. My students enjoy storytime and looking at books, but without the sign vocabulary they miss out on the reading experience that children without hearing loss get to enjoy. The books I have chosen have simple repetitive language that can often be found in everyday conversations such as colors and animals. This repetitive language makes it easier for the parents to learn the signs and will build their confidence in communicating with their children. By donating to my project you are giving the students and their families the gift of reading and providing them the opportunity to "read" a story together where there is no language barrier. Our program utilizes a coaching model where there is at least one home visit/coaching session a month for families with children under 3 years old and at least a quarterly visit with families of those students that are over 3 years old. I am hoping to use this opportunity to bring the book to the family, teach them the signs, allow them to practice the signs, and then use the book during their own storytime routine. Many families struggle with learning a new language and I would like to ease that burden by making it fun and giving them a sense of pride when they are able to interact with their children.

About my class

My students and their families are beginning sign language users that are building the vocabulary needed to communicate with each other and their families. My students enjoy storytime and looking at books, but without the sign vocabulary they miss out on the reading experience that children without hearing loss get to enjoy. The books I have chosen have simple repetitive language that can often be found in everyday conversations such as colors and animals. This repetitive language makes it easier for the parents to learn the signs and will build their confidence in communicating with their children. By donating to my project you are giving the students and their families the gift of reading and providing them the opportunity to "read" a story together where there is no language barrier. Our program utilizes a coaching model where there is at least one home visit/coaching session a month for families with children under 3 years old and at least a quarterly visit with families of those students that are over 3 years old. I am hoping to use this opportunity to bring the book to the family, teach them the signs, allow them to practice the signs, and then use the book during their own storytime routine. Many families struggle with learning a new language and I would like to ease that burden by making it fun and giving them a sense of pride when they are able to interact with their children.

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About my class

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