Petition to make British Sign Language (BSL) a second language in schools.

[LottieMumofWilfJenkins]

here
It is something i strongly believe in.

Forcing is a bit harsh Adsy they do it. In the same way they do PE and Music. I don't have an opinion about it one way or the other. I'd prefer they did French, personally.

Hazey I see Makaton and BSL as two different languages performing two different functions. Would you say that's right? That's interesting about the babies.

Having signed throughout Primary School, my dd (Y6) would love an opportunity to take her signing further. I wouldn't really know how to make this possible for her at the moment. It would be great if something could be offered when she reaches Secondary School.

Although she hasn't done any BSL. She has gained the confidence to sign and sees the need for it. I'm probably not explaining this very well. But I think she has the skills needed to sign iyswim.

Thanks for all your responses! All very interesting!! The petition is growing!!

It also costs £1000s to do a BSL course.

Adsy, when you talk about signing hindering speech development, do you mean BSL or Makaton? Unless there was hearing impairment in the family, I can't see why it would be BSL - and BSL in the early years is very similar to Makaton. if there was hearing impairment in the family, and BSL was used, then it would be the same as growing up in a bilingual family I should imagine.

I would be interested to see links that give evidence of it hindering speech development, as this is the opposite of everything I have learnt about Makaton.

I think it is baby signing that adsy might be talking about , I don't think it hinders speech though