Below is a list of the most common questions we get asked about. If you have a question, you may find your answer here. If not, please email me at kathy@signsforsuccess.co.uk
What is British Sign Language?
British Sign Language (BSL) is the language of the British Deaf Community. There are approximately 60,000 Deaf people in Britain who use BSL as their primary language. With the exception of the fingerspelling component, BSL is not English. It is a language that has evolved through Deaf people’s desire to communicate with each other and to do so in a visual/gestures medium.
Do I use my right or left hand?
Use whichever hand you write with as your dominant signing hand. If you’re left-handed that will be your dominant hand. Confidence will come the more signs you use.
Why are there different signs?
Just as there are spoken dialects so are there regional signs. This is nothing to worry about. Children will readily recognise one or more signs of for example, the colour "red". However, it is better to be consistent. Once you have established a sign, stick to it. All our DVD’s have been developed with a Deaf linguist and other Deaf professionals from the Deaf Community.
Does signing help behaviour?
Switching off the voice to sign is a powerful behaviour management tool. The effect of signing instructions have on hearing children has been astonishing. Signing classrooms become calm, quiet places where young children are ready and able to learn.
Do hearing children like signing?
They love signing. It is motivating and playful and has movement and meaning which all children love. Just as it is human nature to like music or dance or song, so it is human nature to like Sign because it is "language in motion."
Which children?
Hearing children. Deaf children. Children with special needs. Children for whom English is a second language.
Does it limit children's language development?
“No, signing expands children's language. I once used the word "dialogue" instead of "speech". Children learned "dialogue" immediately because the sign for the two words is the same. I think it’s brilliant for that.”
Tarah Coleman, Signs for Success teacher
What do parents think?
Parents have become the driving force behind the programme’s expansion to both older and younger children.