sign language - where to learn it

[foxinsocks]

There is a lovely boy in dd's class (she's 4) who the teachers are convinced is autistic (I won't go into all the behaviours he shows but one of the issues he has is that he is very non-verbal) and they are trying to help the parents through the processes to get him help (I have heard this all from the parents).

In the last few weeks, dd has come home and has been showing me some sign language (just things like hello, thank you, please). I think what is happening is they are teaching the little boy some sign language and at the same time involving the whole class. As dd is quite fond of this little boy, I was wondering where on the web, I could get some information about this sign language (I'm not sure what type it is) and some of the words. Thanks in advance.

It would be best to confirm what sign it is, but more than likely it would be Makaton or Signalong. These are simplified versions based on BSL and use more gestures rather than full letter by letter signing. That's my understanding anyway!
I have used Signalong with my dd for nearly 3 years and it is very similar to Makaton. I think Makaton is more widely used, but Signalong is actually based down here in Kent.
Can you speak to the boy's mum? She would be thrilled,i'm sure, that you are interested and willing to find out more!
I did go on a course initially, but now I learn more through manual. His mum may have some literature that she would be willing to share with you.
Good luck,Dingle.

yes that sounds like it dingle. It looks like gestures rather than letter signing. Thanks for that

Not suggesting that you buy any resources,they can be quite expensive, but have a look at the \link{http://makaton.org\makaton website}
Also take a look at the CBeebies site, under Something Special, this was a series of programmes using Makaton. They have a few signs on their printable section and dotted around elsewhere.

Can't you ask the school anyway as well as the mum as you are obviously being very positive and wanting to support your DD to support the boy. If it is Makaton you could get DD the Dave Benson Phillips nursery rhymes video for Xmas, she'd probably love it, can't remembmer the cost, usual video price I think.

to see lots of Makaton signing in action there is also the lovely \link{http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005KCEV/qid=1102759161/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/026-6508366-7727638\Makaton nursery rhymes video} by Dave Benson Phillips. Might be a good start?

woops sorry davros being distracted by toddler grabbing my laptop and didn't read the whole thread