Auslan 

Our Grade 3–6 students have continued developing their Auslan skills this term, while also building their understanding of Deaf culture and the diverse experiences of Deaf people.

Students have been learning and practising colour signs through interactive games such as Mastermind and Bocce, helping them build their vocabulary while communicating with one another. We have also been learning numbers from 0–999, with students watching and signing numbers to each other. Games including Uno, Memory and Bingo have provided plenty of opportunities to practise these signs in a fun and engaging way.

All grades have made a terrific start on learning to finger spell the Auslan alphabet. We have spent time focusing on correct signing technique and developing fluency with fingerspelling whilst enjoying this Alphabet song https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VTW1hqdjxU8?feature=share. It really gets stuck in your head and gets our signing speed faster! Students have been practising fingerspelling their own names and asking and answering questions such as, “What is your name?” This has encouraged students to use Auslan in meaningful conversations with their classmates.

An important part of our learning has been exploring Deaf culture and awareness. Students have watched videos featuring Deaf people sharing their experiences, including the impact of cochlear implants and what it can be like to experience the world as a Deaf person. These experiences have encouraged thoughtful discussions about communication, identity, technology and the diversity within the Deaf community.

I'm really enjoying seeing students becoming increasingly confident and curious as they develop their Auslan skills. Keep it up!

Sarah Bailey

Sarah.Bailey2@education.vic.gov.au

(Work days: Tuesday and Thursdays)