1. What is bilingualism? What does it mean for Deaf kids and their families to become bilingual? Steve Hooker Advisor on Deaf Children,Canterbury

2. Are you and your family ‘bilingual’? Up to 75% of the world’s population is bilingual A person who can converse in two different languages is ‘bilingual’ Ask yourself whether your family is bilingual

3. Understanding the term “bimodal” ●There are many spoken languages ●There are many sign languages Those who can use both are bimodal.

4. Why bimodal? ●Being bilingual/bimodal is healthy for the brain and cognitive development ●The two modes complement each other and enhance language and learning - they get a richer experience ●When the technology fails, we have backup ○We are constantly responsive to the environment - language too.

5. What support is out there for your family to develop bimodal skills? ●Deaf Aotearoa: First Signs ●New Zealand Federation of Deaf Children ●Ministry of Education: Specialist staff (eg Advisor on Deaf Children) ●Deaf Education Centres ●Local NZSL tutors and classes

6. Remember when… ●Arm crawl…. Leg crawl….. Few steps before falling…. Few steps without falling…. Walking…… Running The key to development is: ●Encouragement ●Patience ●Practice ●Having fun This is the same for any language, whatever it may be

7. Strategies Remember the key is: the more interaction the better. Don’t think you need to be an expert straight away... Enjoy the journey too! Learn, grow together with your child - develop confidence with signing together. Follow your child’s lead. Through meaningful play and interact with the world around the family.

8. Before we go to the panel... Have a chat with the person next to you about what you would like to ask the panel.

9. Panel Discussion Artist Unknown