Sign Language

Requirements

• Learn the manual alphabet used by the deaf and the rules pertaining to it.
• Learn how to send and receive words using the manual alphabet.
• Learn at least fifty words.
• Learn and present at least one simple Christian song.
• Where possible, have the Adventurers meet a deaf person and sign with them.
• Sign a simple Bible verse.

Answers

• As available (from your local Association of the Deaf), use the two-sided manual alphabet cards. That way the children can see what the signs look like from both the sender’s and receiver’s angle.
• First they can have fun learning to spell their names. Print words on a sheet of paper, and then have the children take turns spelling and receiving the words. Have children get in groups of two and send and receive words of their choice.
• Words young people really like to learn are the animals and foods.  Joy of Signing is a good book to learn these signs, as well as the other signs. It gives both a word and a picture description of each sign. It also tells the sign’s origin (example: Jesus—origin: indicating the nail prints).
• “Jesus Loves Me” and “Into My Heart” are two examples. Remember to explain the origins when needed.
• Have someone from your deaf community come in and share a bit of their life with the children and teach them a few words. This will really bring this award to life.

References