Sign Language in the Kauri Room

Written by: Kate

Sign language has become a very popular avenue used to communicate among our Kauri friends and teachers. It all began during sign language week at the start of May when we decided to take the opportunity to share with children a few signs as, after all, it is one of New Zealand's official languages. Children learnt that some people that can not communicate through talking can use their hands to do just as much talking. They were all very fascinated with sign language and were very eager and quick to learn many different signs. This included phrases such as pleased to meet you, wash your hands and then single words like baby, Mum, Dad, Brother, Sister, family, water and more. It then led to children using sign language at meal times. Children now confidently and proudly sign what fruit they wish to have and follow it by signing thank you!

Children became so invested in this special way to communicate and were constantly asking how we can sign different things and incorporating it into their everyday conversations. It was also lovely to see the contribution from home and how excited and pleased children were to share this way of communicating with their family members. It is so very special that sign language has become such an integral part of our communication in the Kauri room and children use it so naturally and respectfully. The Kauri children feel so empowered to be sharing this special language with other teachers and friends in our Preschool.

Words from the children…

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

“A policeman because they catch bad guys.” Aiden “Taller.” Romy

“Ironman because he’s my favourite superhero!” Harry

“A fireman because they work hard.” Dylan

“A want to be a daddy.” Harris

“Ultraman.” Luke

“A doctor.” Olivia and Declan

“A painter because I like drawing.” Lexi “A fireman.” Mackenzie

“Spiderman." John

“Teacher because I love my teachers.” Vienna

“I want to be a Mummy.” Ivanna

“A fairy because I want to fly.” Indie

“A Mummy but I wouldn’t play tennis, I’d do adult ballet.” Summer

“A police girl because I can catch bad guys.” Ava

“A pilot who flies aeroplanes.” Lucas

“A big boy and go to big boys’ school.” Max

“An artist I am already am an artist. I don’t need to grow up, I want to be 10 forever.” Amelia

“A princess because they are beautiful.” Rebecca

“A policeman because I like policemen. Or a pirate.”

Scarlon

“An artist because you can craft anything you want.” Lia

“A doctor because I want to help people.” Angie

“A princess because I love princesses.” Stella

“An astronaut because I want to go to the moon.” Sean Luo

“A fisherman … ” Rio

“A mummy.” Naira

“A fairy because they are pretty.” Emily

“A tiger because it makes me laugh.” Finn