sign Language in the Classroom

Using Signing Time®

Written for Two Little Hands Productions by

Robin L. Williams, MA
Jim MacCall, BS [Link] | 1
Using Sign Language in the Classroom

Using American Sign Language (ASL) in your preschool or elementary school classroom
will keep your students’ hands moving, their minds engaged and their brains learning! In this
Guide, you’ll learn how this powerful tool can help you:

• engage students in learning

• improve academic outcomes
• create a more harmonious classroom

Let’s start by considering some of the exciting findings that researchers have discovered about using
ASL with hearing children in the classroom. Next, we’ll recommend some quick and easy signing
activities you can use every day to make language arts instruction more fun. Finally, for those of you
who want to do even more to bring the powerful benefits of signing to your classroom, you’ll learn
about how the Signing Time Classroom Edition provides a wealth of additional resources to help you
reach your goals.

Why Use Sign Language in the Classroom?

Signing helps students students’ scores on vocabulary hearing children who use sign
become more engaged in tests are significantly higher language in their educational
learning. Signing involves than their non-signing peers.1 settings. Dr. Marilyn Daniels,
physical movement, which an expert in this area of study,
adds a kinesthetic element to Signing boosts academic summarizes these research
learning. This physical move- achievement. Multiple studies findings in her book Dancing
ment engages students’ bodies have been conducted with with Words. Daniels reports
as well as their brains, giving
them a more intensive and
multi-sensory learning experi-
ence. In addition, some signs
are iconic (they look like what
they represent. For example,
the sign for BIRD looks like a
bird’s beak opening and clos-
ing), which means that the form
or action of the sign supports
and strengthens understanding
of the corresponding word. All
of this physical involvement in
learning pays off. Studies show
that when words are presented
orally, visually, and kinestheti-
cally (through sign language),

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that signing in the classroom: that the majority of the brain is Signing is a powerful tool for
devoted to visual processing. behavior management in the
• increases test scores Marilyn Daniels continues: “Sign classroom. Signing requires
• increases vocabulary acquisi- language instruction, with its eye contact, which automati-
tion rates requisite visual component, cre- cally helps draw students’ at-
• helps students focus, concen- ates an increase in brain activity tention to the teacher. When
trate and remember content by engaging the visual cortex teachers use signs to cue
and presenting an additional transitions and new activities,
In addition, Daniels says that language to the young learner…. students will be prepared to
research findings point to social Using sign language and Eng- look and listen for new direc-
benefits of signing in the class- lish in tandem provides a much tions. Signing with students
room. Signing: richer language base for brain while they line up helps them
activity and brain growth and stay actively engaged — and
• can create a more harmonious development.”2 quiet — as they move through
learning environment the hallways. Also, signing is
• generates enthusiasm for “Viewing, processing, and pro- an effective tool for helping
learning among students ducing sign language results younger students calm down.
• increases self-confidence and in an active learning situation Signs require large, slow move-
self-esteem that triggers accompanying eye ments or repetitive, melodic
movement. The more the eyes actions, which have a natural
These important social benefits move, the more the muscles of flow and calming effect on chil-
contribute significantly to opti- both eyes will work together. dren. Teachers who sign in their
mizing academic achievement. This action provokes brain classrooms report that signing
growth… the result… enables helps create a more harmo-
Signing boosts brain develop- the student to focus, track, and nious environment because
students are not only more
ment. Studies have shown concentrate when reading.”3
tuned in to what the teacher is
doing, they pay more attention
to each other as well.

Signing introduces students

to the language and culture of
the Deaf. When students are
taught signs in the classroom,
they are building a founda-
tion for learning ASL – the
third most used language in
the United States today – as a
second language. Using ASL in
the classroom gives students
a natural opportunity to learn
about Deaf culture, and gives
them the opportunity to com-
municate with deaf people they
may encounter in life.

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Signing In the Classroom
It’s easy to integrate sign language into your classroom, home schooling program, or childcare
setting. Here are some tips for signing with children of all ages:

• Keep your hands empty when signing, whenever possible

• Make eye contact with your students while signing
• Use facial expressions to convey feeling and/or intensity
• Use signs during daily routines (transition times, lunch, etc.)
• Keep signing activities fun to create a positive learning environment
• Use the Signing Time Volume 13: Welcome to School DVD to start each new school year

Below you will find suggestions DOG do? That’s right! The DOG letter to help students remem-
for activities and resources went up in the BALLOON!”) ber the sound. Write the word
that will help you incorporate • Encourage students to sign CAT on the board, say, “Cat
signing into the key areas of when they read independently starts with the /k/ sound. Make
language arts instruction: or in small groups. the sign for CAT, and fingerspell
C-A-T.
Reading Alphabet • Make flashcards with the word
Teachers and parents are The manual alphabet provides CAT for each student to pro-
encouraged to read aloud to a kinesthetic, visual, and tactile vide them with a portable visual
children for 15-20 minutes per way to learn and remember key word chart as they learn.
day. Using sign language during letter names and sounds. Here’s (The Classroom Edition pro-
oral reading will help students how you can teach the letter C, vides a reproducible
create clearer mental pictures for example:
of the stories they hear, which
increases comprehension and • Write the letter C on the
makes the reading experience board so that it roughly
more meaningful. Here are matches the size of
some simple steps to take to your hand when you
incorporate signing into your form the C hand
daily oral reading: shape.
• Place your hand
• Teach students a few signs over the letter and
for key words in the selected make the sign for
reading. the letter C.
• Ask students to sign those • Have students
key words when you read them write the letter C
aloud. on paper and make
• Ask questions about the story the letter C sign with
as you read and encourage their own hands.
signing in responses when ap- • Next, pair a word
propriate. (e.g., “What did the and sign with the

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flashcard for CAT and several
other words to assist you.) Recommended resources to encourage reading:

Spelling Story Time DVD

One way to add some fun to Includes six original stories that feature signs for family mem-
spelling is to teach students bers, activities, animals, bugs, vehicles, feelings, colors, fruits,
to fingerspell with the manual and more. Children learn key ASL signs before each story and
alphabet. Use fingerspelling in see the words on the screen during the reading.
addition to writing the words
with pencil and paper. Finger- Signing Time Board Books
spelling is beneficial because it: Volumes 1-6 provide children with a written description and
visual demonstration of each sign, plus playful illustrations.
• develops fine motor skills These books can be used alone or to reinforce the signs in the
needed for writing. corresponding DVDs.
• makes spelling easier to
remember. Recommended resources for teaching the alphabet:
• engages the brain in a way
• Signing Time Vol. 5 ABC Signs DVD
that makes it easier to hear, un-
derstand, use and read spelling • Signing Time Vol. 5 ABC Signs Flash Cards
words when students encoun- • Practice Time ABCs DVD
ter them in different contexts. • ABCs and 123s Wall Posters
• helps students who learn best
through movement and touch Recommended resources for teaching spelling:
(kinesthetic learners).
• Practice Time ABCs DVD
• Signing Time Vol. 5 ABC Signs DVD
Vocabulary
• Signing Time Vol. 5 ABC Signs Flash Cards
Help your students develop
• ABCs and 123s Wall Posters
an interest in the world and in
learning new words by con-
necting ASL signs to your
Recommended resources for teaching vocabulary:
student’s prior knowledge and
Signing Time Music CDs
life experiences. Once they
Great for learning new signs and reinforcing the signs they
learn new words, have them
know - all songs have sing-along tracks that your students can
teach the signs to family and
perform along with.
friends. Purchase an American
Sign Language dictionary to
The Sing and Sign DVD
use as a resource in your class-
Features 13 of the most popular Signing Time songs students
room. Teach your students how
can learn and later perform for parents and other classrooms.
to look up words they want to
learn. (Don’t get discouraged
Story Time DVD
if your signing vocabulary isn’t
Story Time brings books to life with full-screen illustrations
as proficient as you would like.
and music. Learn how to sign key words from each story in
This is a wonderful opportunity
ASL so you can read and sign along with Rachel. Features six
to learn along with your stu-
original stories.
dents.)

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Overview of the Signing time Classroom Edition
For teachers and parents who want a complete set of Signing Time
resources to fully integrate signing into their curriculum, we’ve created If you are new to sign-
the Signing Time Classroom Edition, which includes: ing, don’t worry. The
Classroom Edition is
16 themed learning units full of fun and easy-to-do activities: At written in a clear and
School, In My Classroom, Colors, Feelings, The Alphabet, Numbers, concise way and is
Getting Along, Family, Outside, Seasons, Eat and Drink, Fruits and full of illustrations and
Vegetables, Days of the Week, Pets, Farm Animals, and Zoo Animals. multi-media resources
DVD segments edited to correspond to the themes of each unit. to help you get start-
Music CD with songs from the DVD segments that relate to the unit ed. All you need is a
themes. (Includes the sing-along versions for performance or prac- desire to learn and a
tice.) few minutes a day to
bring the powerful
Ready-to-copy handouts, flashcards, lyric sheets, and more
benefits of signing to
Background information on Deaf culture, signing with children with your students.
special needs, classroom management and tips for effective teaching.

Guided Tour of the Classroom Edition

Section 1: Lesson Overview along with concise descriptions
Designed for making lesson of how each sign is made.
planning a snap, this page
includes a list of signs, a list of Section 4: Introducing Signs
the audiovisual materials you This section includes several ac-
will need, and a summary of the tivities for you to choose from
lesson contents. that will capture students’ at-
tention, introduce the topic, and
Section 2: Teacher Tips teach the signs in the lesson.
Get useful tips about classroom
management, assessing com- Section 5: Games & Activities
prehension and quieting down Includes games and learning
students, signing with music, activities for different ages and
fingerspelling, and more. grade levels that help students
practice the new signs they
Section 3: Sign Reference learned.
Guide
This is a signing “cheat” sheet Section 6: Poems and Songs
for teachers to support you in Adding music and poems to the
learning new signs. Includes educational life of any student
clear photographs of each sign brightens their mood and helps

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them remember new signs. can easily plan for extension Section 10: Certificate
Using these songs, you can cre- activities involving independent What a great way to reward
ate an assembly/stage program or group reading. learning! These printable cer-
for your class to sing and sign tificates can be color-coded to
with the entire school and their Section 9: Flash cards allow students to keep track of
families. These ready-to-copy cards their progress throughout the
show the sign on one side and school year.
Section 7: CD and DVD Lyrics the printed word with an il-
This section includes lyric lustration on the reverse side.
sheets to keep handy during These cards can be used in the
your lessons and copy and classroom setting for review,
share with your students or flashcard games, and indepen-
their families. Lyric sheets can dent study. For example: In the
also be printed in large format Pets, Farm Animals, and Zoo
to create lyric posters for your Animals units, have students
classroom. cut out pictures from maga-
zines of animals that match the
Section 8: Book List animals they are learning on
We’ve included a list of books their flash cards. This activity
that you can find at your local is especially useful before go-
library or bookstore that sup- ing on a field trip to the zoo or
port the lesson topic so you farm.

Free Resources for Teachers

at [Link]

Free Samples from the Classroom Edition

Please visit [Link]
to download free samples from the Signing Time Classroom
Edition including Outline, Teacher Tips, Introducing Signs,
Games and Activities, and Flashcards. You will also find a
brief video introducing the Signing Time Classroom Edition on
this page.

Enhance Literacy Instruction Using Signing Time

Visit [Link] to download
this free 10-page guide. Studies have shown that literacy skills
are improved when American Sign Language is used in the
classroom and home.

[Link] | 7
What is Signing Time?
Signing Time is a family of Signing Time appeared on
products (DVDs, Music CDs, public television stations from
books, and flashcards) that 2006-2009, for which Rachel
teach American Sign Language received an Emmy® nomina-
(ASL) vocabulary. Signing Time tion for the category entitled
products are created for chil- “Outstanding Performer in a
dren from infancy through age Children’s Series.” Coleman
8, but appeal to all ages and co-created the series with her
abilities. Signing Time DVDs sister, Emilie Brown, who is the
feature children and adults who mother of two boys, Alex, and
model each sign, original music, Zachary. (Cousins Alex and
real-life scenes, and animated Leah are both featured in Sign-
segments. The combination of ing Time along with Rachel.)
visual, auditory, and kinesthetic
teaching results in an effec- As the host of Signing Time,
tive, multi-sensory approach to Rachel teaches each sign and
learning. Each DVD in Series 1 then uses the signs in an origi-
teaches approximately nal song, featuring video clips
25-30 signs. of infants, toddlers, young The key mission
children and parents who sign
At the time of this publication, the targeted words in a real- of Signing Time
there are 34 DVDs available for life context. The added visual
purchase. The co-creator and component of the printed is to make basic
host of Signing Time is Rachel vocabulary word, along with an
Coleman, who is a mother to illustration, increases retention sign language
two girls: Leah, who is deaf, and and comprehension of the new
Lucy, who has cerebral palsy word and its sign. Verbal vo- simple and
and spina bifida. Rachel and her cabulary often increases as ASL
husband Aaron began signing vocabulary increases. engaging,
with Leah when she was diag-
nosed as profoundly deaf at 14 not only for the
months old.
child, but for
Prior to learning that Leah was
deaf, Rachel was a singer and
everyone in that
songwriter. She has personally
written all the songs in the Sign-
child’s life.
ing Time series and her fascinat-
ing life story has been featured
in numerous national publica-
tions and media programs,
including NBC’s TODAY show.

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Success Stories chase Signing Time materials. and then split up into smaller
A few weeks later I received a groups. The students take turns
Signing with ‘Class’: Incorpo- letter telling me that my pro- signing and while the other stu-
rating Sign Language Into the posal would be fully funded. I dents identify each sign.
Classroom Improves Commu- sent a letter out to students in
nication When I first learned grades 1-5, with the hopes that I Throughout the year, students
about Signing Time, I thought would have at least 25 students use the Signing Time board
about all of the wonderful interested. I was completely books and flash cards as ad-
things I could teach my triplet overwhelmed when I received ditional reinforcement. The
boys. They were born at 27 133 positive responses. students say it is very helpful to
weeks and were facing many have the word, a picture of the
delays. Once my boys started sign and a description of how
to do the sign on each page.
signing and communicating
more and more, I realized that
“I can think of few I also provided each student
my 3rd grade students at Kes- other languages with a list of the signs taught
from the first series (I found
terson Elementary School could
also benefit from learning sign that have touched this valuable tool on the Sign-
language. ing Time website). The students
such a wide use these checklists to help
At our fall open house, I ex- them remember the signs they
plained to the parents that
spectrum of have been taught. Once they
have mastered a sign, they
I would be introducing sign
language to their children. I was
individuals as check it off. If they have dif-
overwhelmed with the posi- sign language.” ficulty remembering the sign,
they know they can ask to see
tive response I was given that
Catherine Y., Henderson, NV the sign again.
night. I explained that I would
introduce signs that went along
with our curriculum, a little at It is so rewarding to see the en-
a time, and gave examples of I did not want to turn away any thusiasm the students have for
how using sign language dur- students, so I split the group sign language. I love hearing all
ing structured teaching helped into two and attempted to see of their stories they have each
keep interruptions at a minimal if I could successfully teach week. My favorite story came
level. For example, instead of that many students at one time. from a parent that told me that
interrupting a lesson, a student The students were excited to she was visiting the library with
could sign when they need to learn sign language, and their her first-grade daughter and
use the restroom. enthusiasm was quite obvious. met a deaf woman. My student
Each week I focused on one of was able to carry on a conver-
Around this time I also decided the DVDs. During our class we sation with this adult with little
to start an after school sign spend the first half hour watch- difficulty. Her mom was abso-
language club, “Signing with ing the DVD while I sign along lutely amazed and hearing the
Class.” I wrote a grant proposal with it. Afterwards the students story made my heart melt.
to the Junior League of Las have a chance to practice what
Vegas, asking for $1000 to pur- they learned. We review the Since incorporating the use of
signs in a whole group setting, sign language and additional

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sign language instruction into to the zoo. I have the students
the classroom I have continued “I love finding ways identify which animals they see
to see improvement in commu- at our zoo.
nication between student and to make learning
teacher. The benefits have also Another fun way to use Signing
extended to parent-teacher and fun & memorable. Time is through the CDs. Once
student-parent relationships as the students learn the signs I
well. As a teacher, my goal is Signing Time use the CDs during music time.
to build skills that will help my The students love to sing, and
students grow into success- is a great way the signs create a way for them
ful adults with the ability to to be able to add movement.
communicate on many levels to create
with those in the world around I love using Signing Time in my
them. I can think of few other those moments” classroom. I am not only able to
languages that have touched review many concepts but they
such a wide spectrum of indi- Anya G., Kearns, UT are a great reward. My students
viduals as sign language. I know look forward to when they are
that for my part it has reached able to watch Signing Time.
those dearest to my heart and I love finding ways to make
sharing this gift with my stu- learning fun and memorable.
dents has been both an honor directions without ever using Signing Time is a great way to
and a joy. my voice. create those moments.

Catherine Y., 3rd Grade Teacher Part of the first grade curricu- Anya G., Kearns, Utah
Henderson, NV lum deals with teaching about
a child’s community. Volume
11: My Neighborhood is a great
Many Classroom Uses for Sign- way to help students identify all
ing Time I am both a mother those things that make up their
and a teacher. I love using Sign- community.
ing Time in my home and my
classroom. In first grade, we teach about
animals and their habitats. I use
I have found so many uses for Volumes 7, 8, and 9 to reinforce
Signing Time in my classroom. these concepts. They are able
Volume 13: Welcome To School to see the animals as well as
is a great classroom-manage- see some of the animals in their
ment tool. I use this DVD at natural habitats. I use
the beginning of the year. As a Volume 9: The Zoo
teacher, I use many silent cues Train before and
to communicate with my stu- after we go on
dents so as not to disrupt the our field trip
classroom atmosphere. These
signs help me to communicate

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Home-Schooling with Signing do is incorporate a “voices off” years. She has been using
Time I just want to share with time in the house that allows American Sign Language for
you how Signing Time has been her to practice and apply the the past 13 years after studying
such an amazing gift in my family. sign language she has learned. ASL at Brigham Young Univer-
We started to use it as part of our sity and earning her Bachelors
home-school second language Sabrina has a quest for con- of Science in Elementary Edu-
curriculum for our four-year old stant knowledge and asks for cation. Robin is a Thinking Maps
daughter, Sabrina, who has an signs that aren’t shown on the Trainer of Trainers, and is a UCI
incredibly huge signing vocabu- videos on a daily basis. We are Fellow with the Writing Project.
lary. We usually watch Signing so grateful to Two Little Hands Robin is a Master Signing Time
Time and then set out to apply Productions for all the excellent Instructor certified through the
those vocabulary words into Signing Time products and how Signing Time Academy and co-
the “real world.” We use home- much they have benefited our author of the guide “Enhanc-
made flashcards to reinforce the family. Thank you! ing Literacy Instruction Using
signs shown on the DVD and Signing Time.” She currently is
play games of “I Spy” using sign Bridget E., Elkton, MD a stay-at-home mom with an
language. My daughter practices infant and toddler who love to
writing the words from the DVDs sign.
as well, so that she can start
recognizing them in print. She Jim MacCall, BS is a first
also practices fingerspelling each grade teacher in the Lower
word. We sign everywhere. Merion School District, outside
of Philadelphia, PA. Jim has
It seems there is always an op- been teaching for 37 years in
portunity to learn and reinforce first grade. Jim holds a BS of
the words and signs while we Education from West Chester
take our field trips. When we go University and a Master of Edu-
to the grocery store I will sign cation from Temple University.
what is on my list to my daugh- Classroom Edition Jim is a Master Signing Time
[Link]/classroom-edition
ter and she will go find the Instructor certified through the
item. When we go to the zoo Signing Time Academy. Jim has
or aquarium, we do the same been using sign language for
thing. We both practice signing three years with his first grade
the animal we see, as well as About the authors class. This past school year,
characteristics describing that Jim instructed all children in the
animal. We also use ASL when Robin L. Williams, MA holds first grade (80 students) in sign
we practice math or when we a Masters Degree in Teaching language.
practice counting, including with a Reading Specialization
everything that is added or from National University, and 1
Daniels, Marilyn, Dancing with Words:
subtracted (whether on paper has a Clear Multiple Subject Signing for Hearing Children’s Literacy.
or physical objects). Sabrina California Teaching Creden- Bergin & Garvey, Westport, CT, 2001. p. 33
has done so well that she can tial. After interpreting in Utah 2
Ibid. 122
count orally and sign up to the for a year, she taught in public 3
Ibid. 125
number 30. Another thing we elementary schools for eight

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