As a classroom teacher, we’re always looking for strategies to help the students in our class to get along with each other. Our ideal classroom has students who are all friendly toward each other and can problem solve on their own. So we, therefore, search out team building ideas to help us to build a more positive classroom environment. Here are a few ideas, using American Sign Language signs, to help build your peaceful and positive classroom environment.
Students can problem solve easier when using American Sign Language signs, especially if they are younger or have a hard time with communication. It is easy for most all children to sign share, my turn, your turn, yes, no or wait, and can use these signs when conversing and problem solving with each other.
This strategy also comes into play when the need to express feelings arrives. Students can sign angry and mad, which allows them to show their negative feelings in a positive physical way (instead of in an aggressive way toward others). Students can even sign sorry, which is sometimes the hardest word for many children to say.
When you use signs to give directions (like sit, stand, line up, go, or start) you’ll find that your class becomes a quieter, more calm classroom. Because you are only signing directions, students not only need to pay better attention, but you are also creating a quieter atmosphere (which they will adhere to).
A more positive atmosphere can also be created by giving praise and encouragement more often. From across the room you can silently give praise (using signs like great, proud, beautiful or silent applause) and your students can give praise to each other in the same way. Extra encouragement can be given and received by all students, just by using a few simple signs.
If you decide to try to use some of the above-mentioned signs and don’t have an American Sign Language Dictionary on hand, I’d suggest using Michigan State University’s ASL Web Browser for a very reliable online American Sign Language Dictionary (http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/).
Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the above mentioned signs if you don’t know them. Just try one sign and then the next week add a new one. Start with the positive and encouraging signs. If you do, you just may find that your class is giving more and more encouragement and praise to each other. Just one or two signs can start your class on the way toward creating your ideal classroom.