Auslan News

Errol St Campus

From Simone McGenniskin, Senior School Auslan teacher

Telling the Time

Over the past fortnight, students have been learning how to tell the time in Auslan. 

We explored the signs for time, clock, o’clock, half past, quarter past, quarter to, early, and late. Many students successfully read Simone’s analogue clock in Auslan and showed great confidence using their new signs.

For revision, students completed puzzle worksheets such as word searches, “decode the time” sheets, and activities matching signs to images. Some students chose to wear noise-cancelling headphones while they worked, and a few even multitasked- continuing their imaginative “waiter” game while completing worksheets as they waited for their ‘food’ to arrive!

Classes were rewarded with a game of “What’s the Time Crocodile?”; our Auslan version of “What’s the Time Mr Wolf?”. Students used their new time signs (1 o’clock, 2 o’clock, etc.) to show how many steps the class could take toward the crocodile. When the person playing the crocodile signed “dinner”, they chased everyone back to the starting line!

We also ran our blindfolded assessments this fortnight to formally track student learning. Students were given a blindfold (and a tissue underneath for hygiene!) and were quizzed on their knowledge of breakfast food signs. Students were given a new verbal hint every 5 seconds, testing their recall without the help of others around them. It was incredibly successful and many students have asked to re-take the test as they enjoyed the process so much. 

How can I help? 

Print and practise: Put up our time signs on the fridge to help jog your child’s memory. They’ll love teaching you the signs and you can use them in your everyday conversations.