Idea I stole...

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Idea I stole...
By Adrienne

I got an idea from the Rick Morris web page on using sign language but I have not rec'd my copies of his books in the mail. This is what I learned...
Teach the kids the alphabet. Then, encourage them to use it when responding
to a question. Have the child hold up an A when he/she has the answer. A=Answer. If the child needs information, have the child raise his hand in the I formation. I=Information. If a child wants to make a comment, he/she holds up a C. C=Comment.
The example he gave made it clear to me so I'll share it with you. Let's say you are teaching perimeter. You draw a figure on

the board and put the numbers on the figure. You ask the class - Who can tell me the perimeter? Suzy forgot what perimeter was so she sits quietly. Billy raises his hand and answers 15. Little Suzy still has no clue what perimeter is and sits quietly, confused. If she and Billy raised their hands at the same time and Suzy had hers in the shape of an I and Billy had an A in the air, the teacher could clarify the question to Suzy (by reminding her what perimeter is) and maybe get her to work the problem. I have never used this but it sounds neat and I want to do it next year. This is my first attempt at sign language. I may add words if the situation arrises. Good Luck!