Sign Language in the Gym: Relax, You Can Do It! April 24, 2013, 1:45-3:00 pm Linda Hilgenbrinck Denton ISD, TX Lauren Lieberman State University of New York, Brockport, NY Cindy Piletic Western IL University, Macomb, IL M. Kat Ellis West Chester University, West Chester, PA & Adapted Physical Activity Council

Goals & Session Descriptor Demonstrate basic signs to communicate: As strategies for instruction/classroom management in the physical education class. As instruction of basic physical education terms and select team sports. Conventional signs, symbols, gestures, and strategies will be demonstrated for infusion into the gym. Learn to say it in sign!

It’s our job! Effective teachers are able to maintain open lines of communication with their students. (Columna & Lieberman, 2011) …Everyone communicates and our job as educators is to employ the most effective strategy for a given individual… Schultz, Lieberman, Ellis, & Hilgenbrinck. (in press). Ensuring the success of Deaf students in inclusive physical education. JOPERD.

> 90% children w HI have hearing parents (Goldberg, 1997; Eastbrooks, 1997) Parents involvement in their deaf children's physical activity and fitness is vital. When parents are aware of & involved in Deaf sport (and sign language); their deaf children are not only more active, but also more fit. Ellis, Lieberman, & Dummer. (in press). Parent influences on physical activity participation and physical fitness of Deaf children. JDSDE.

deaf vs. Deaf Deaf persons: deaf & hard-of-hearing; has any level of hearing loss: above 55dB (or deaf) or greater residual hearing… losses below 55dB (hard of hearing) Deaf: capital D, used by Deaf community; ownership/pride in societal group w/own cultural elements: language (ASL), history, arts, literature, & sports (Berke, 2011) Deaf individuals do not see themselves as having a disability. Deafness - vital part of their identity deaf  disability Deaf  Culture Schultz, Lieberman, Ellis, & Hilgenbrinck. (in press). Ensuring success of Deaf students in inclusive physical education. JOPERD.

Communication etiquette (adapted from Columna & Lieberman, 2011, p 12) Use direct eye contact when talking with a Deaf person Introduce self; use short, direct sentences Allow a Deaf person to introduce self Get attention before speaking Avoid covering mouth Don’t pretend to understand – be sure, then proceed Encourage deaf person to repeat what was presented to them – “check for understanding” Allow a Deaf person to watch first then respond. Use demonstrations, read materials, interpreters message; so, remember to wait before continuing

Basics of Signing Body, hands, and palms, oh my! Our ABCs & 123s What’s in a (sign) name? Introduce self! Note: using physical demonstrations, gestures, body language, facial expressions and a variety of visual aids are accepted – even desired!

Let’s Get Started Basic PE signs: start/stop signals, frequently used phrases to signs Sport rotation (3) Baseball/softball Basketball Volleyball Final Rotation: Parachute Game Gym Hands rotate & move up

Final QnA Closing Gift-Aways Contact information: Linda: Lauren: Cindy: Kat: applause Thank you!