You know I LOVE sign language! I’m certainly no expert, but if I can do it, anybody can do it. Let me give you a few reasons why I’m such a believer in the power of SIGN:
It’s quiet.
It’s multi-sensory.
It’s engaging.
It’s good for differentiated instruction and for children who are non-English speakers.
It’s free and it’s simple.
Here are some great signs for classroom management to start your school year. I’d explain to the class that you are going to teach them a new language called “sign language.” It’s a special language for people who can’t hear because you talk with your hands. I’d suggest introducing one new sign each day. Encourage the children to model what you do when you make the sign. In a few weeks, you’ll be amazed at how the volume in your classroom has been turned down.
Pay Attention (Palms pointing towards face and shake back and forth.)
Stand Up (Two fingers standing on palm and then point up.)
Sit Down (Two fingers sitting on 2 fingers of other hand and point down.)
Walk (Walk fingers.)
Line Up (Fingers up with right pinky and left thumb touching.)
Bathroom (Make “t” and wiggle.)
Water (Make “w” with fingers and place near your mouth.)
More (Fingertips touching.)
Wonderful (Palms open facing out and move down and then up.)
I love you! (Fingers up with middle finger and ring finger bent down.)
Look! Listen! Learn (“L” by eyes, ears, and then brain.)
Finished (Brush hands away from chest.)
Help (Make a fist with one hand and place it on the open palm of the other hand. Bring both up in the air at the same time.)
Stop (One palm open. Pretend to chop it with the other palm.)
Wait (Hold hands open and off to the side and wiggle the fingers.)
Yes (Make an “s” with your fist and raise and lower it like your head.)
No (Middle and index finger straight and close toward the thumb.)
Please (One palm open on chest and make a circular motion.)
Thank you (Touch fingertips on chin and extend out.)
Sorry (Make fist and rub on chest in circular motion.)
Excuse me (One palm up and brush fingertips of other hand across.)
Note! There are several excellent websites where you can view videos of these signs. (aslpro.com, handspeak.com, and lifeprint.com)