The Wilson School Second Grade classes are learning Sign Language!!! 

 The sign language classes begin in the Fall and continue weekly throughout the school year.  The second grade students begin by learning an the manual alphabet (sign language alphabet) and several common words.  Every week more words are added to their sign language vocabulary, and within just a few weeks the students begin to communicate with each other using simple sentences. Their sign language skills improve greatly week to week, and by years end can communicate with each other in sign language.  At the Winter and Spring concerts, the second grade students show off their sign language skills and perform a song in sign language!

The sign language classes first began during the 2003 - 2004 school year out of a desire to introduce the topic of Disability Awareness to the second grade students, specifically how individuals with disabilities adapt and overcome challenges.  After the initial classes, additional benefits of the sign language classes became evident. The sign language classes proved to not only teach the students a new language, but also demonstrated the importance and impact of body language and facial expression when communicating. Students also exercised fine and gross motor skills while using their hands and body to form signs.  Most importantly, the students had fun and got to spend some extra special time with the school nurse! And so, the tradition of second grade sign language classes continues year after year.

  Check out these websites for information more information on ASL (American Sign Language):

http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm

http://www.signingonline.com/