American Sign Language (ASL) three and four students are taking the knowledge they have learned in the classroom into a real-life environment by sharing the value of ASL with the children at the Little Explorers daycare which is the on campus childcare program. This initiative created by senior Ria Siddappa aims to teach preschoolers basic sign language and will also broaden their understanding of the deaf community.
Senior Lucy Caldwell, explained how the opportunity allows them to apply their skills practically. “Sign three and four thought that it would be fun to use our skills in a real-life environment to show that we learned the signs” she stated. Now that they have learned basic signs they are able to spread their knowledge.
Beyond teaching ASL vocabulary Caldwell believes that the experience helps young children develop empathy and awareness for the deaf community. “I think that teaching little kids sign language doesn’t just teach them about the language, but about a whole deaf world that they may not have known about” she shared. Caldwell added that learning ASL helps young children “be more aware of people who are different from them and who may have struggles that they don’t have.”
For Siddappa, working with preschoolers is especially meaningful. “I chose to go into the daycare because for me personally I just love working with little kids and I wanted to inspire them since they’re so young and impressionable” she explained. Siddappa believes that their initiative can spark a lifelong interest in the language. “I think it’s really important to spread the knowledge of sign language to everyone, not just little kids” Siddappa shared.
As the ASL students work in the classroom, they are learning viable lessons about communication and engagement. “I learned that you need to make interesting lessons to get people interested in the language” Siddappa noted, emphasizing the importance of keeping young children engaged. Caldwell agreed, adding that “I learned that kids, little kids, are curious and eager to learn” she reflected.
Heather Morcomb, the Little Explorers daycare director, sees immense value in having the ASL students share their knowledge with the children in the program. “I love when students and programs come into our classrooms and share their talents” she shared.
Through this project, ASL three and four students are not only advancing their skills, but are also making a positive impact on their community, fostering an inclusive mindset for the next generation.
