1. Action Research Proposal (Mock) By: Windescence Brogan

2. Area of Focus Introduce and encourage the use of sign language to non- verbal toddlers Improve communication skills Relief stresses and frustrations when communicating

3. Related Literature “How HANDy are baby signs? A systematic review of the impact of gestural communication on typically developing, hearing infants under the age of 36 months” (Fitzpatrick, 2014) “Evidence for Website Claims about the Benefits of Teaching Sign Language to Infants and Toddlers with Normal Hearing” (Nelson, 2012) “Signs of emotion: What can preverbal children “say” about internal states?”(Vallotton, 2008)

4. Variables Non-verbal young toddlers Understands and completes simple verbal directions given Miss understood communications Frustrations that tend to lead to unwanted behaviors

5. Research Questions 1.How will the addition of sign language help students communicate? 2.How will the addition of sign language aid students and transform unwanted behaviors to positive behaviors before they start? 3.How will the addition of sign language aid in students identifying feelings with peers and teachers?

6. Data Collection Ages and Stages Social Emotional screening tool Antidotal Notes Teaching Strategies Social Emotional Assessment Teaching Strategies Language Assessment

7. Considerations Toddlers may become frustrated with new sign language May be overwhelming to some Parent support in the home outside of classroom Change of enrollment

8. Analysis Share feedback anonymously with all involved Share what is expected from participants Gather permission to participate

9. Intervention Introducing sign language to reduce frustrations Aid in communication skills Curb some of the unwanted behaviors and frustrations associated with miss communications

10. Action Plan 1.Gather signatures from supervisor and parents of participants 2.Collect data, pre- assessments and screenings 3.Share sign language that will be used with parents in form of handout 4.Introduce targeted sign language with verbal cues as students interact in their day, collect antidotal notes 5.Collect data, post- assessments and screenings 6.Compose a report 7.Share findings