May 15, 2020 Lower School Deep Dive with Marla Berkowitz

Columbus School for Girls

Taking a Deep Dive with Interpreter, Marla Berkowitz during COVID-19

May 15 , 2020 Created by Betsy Gugle, Lower School Director

This Week’s Deep Dive: Marla Berkowitz

Marla Berkowitz, Sign Language Interpreter for Governor’s DeWine’s Press Conferences

Step 1: Watch Ms. Berkowitz in action!

Click Here

Step 2: Talk Time 1. What do you notice when you watch Ms. Berkowitz sign during the press conference?

2. What qualities do you think she would need in order to work under pressure in this way?

3. Why do you think it is important to have Ms. Berkowitz there each day?

4. What questions would you like to ask her?

On the next slide, you will read an article about the importance of her work and what makes her different from many American Sign Language interpreters.

Step 3: Snorkeling-Fact Find First: read the Newsela Article about Ms. Berkowitz Second: discuss the following questions 1. According to the section "Communicating With The Deaf Is Critical During Crises," WHY did Ohio ask Marla Berkowitz to interpret its COVID-19 briefings?

2. How do facial expressions affect ASL interpretations?

3. What does CDI stand for? How is it different than ASL? 4. What two examples from past historical moments did they share where there were fake interpreters? How might that have affected the deaf community?

Step 4: Did You Know...

“During daily coronavirus briefings, Marla Berkowitz, Ohio’s only certified deaf interpreter, has been front and center delivering important information using American Sign Language to the state’s estimated 303,000 deaf or hard-of-hearing people. In addition to the head, the hands will also bobble.” ● ● ● ●

Expected to ship in July 2020 Bobbleheads are produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum 7 inches tall The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum will be donating $5 from every Marla Berkowitz Bobblehead sold to Columbus Colony Elderly Care to purchase special masks with clear visibility surrounding the lips for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing patients.

Step 4: Scuba Diving--Dig deeper How does the article about Ms. Berkowitz having her own bobblehead connect with the statement from Dr. Acton--”not all heroes wear capes?”

2. How does Dr. Berkowitz’s story inspire you to use your talents to help others?

3. Watch this video to learn 20 basic sign language phrases. Practice with your family.

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Step 5: Share what you’ve learned

If you want to share your thoughts and work on Taking a Deep Dive Padlet, click here.

Send a message to Ms. Berkowitz, create a poster or video, etc...the possibilities are endless!