Learn to communicate without a sound

Ever wanted to hear a pin drop in the classroom, while still communicating with your students?  Now you can, by teaching them New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

It’s an official language and fun and easy to learn – plus, students of all ages love the uniqueness of effectively communicating without using their voices.

To help encourage the use of NZSL and an understanding of what life is like for Deaf people, Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand together with Van Ashe Deaf Education Centre, Kelston Deaf Education Centre and the NZ Federation of Deaf Children have developed a range of resources that help teach NZSL to students of all ages.

NZSL Tool Kit

This resource package is designed to encourage the next generation to learn NZSL and include a teachers’ lesson plan and resources.

The NZSL Tool Kit is a comprehensive teaching programme available in two parts.  Part One – Introductory and Part Two – Intermediate. Each kit features numerous support tools, including:

·         Three or ten 45 minute lesson DVD

·         Teaching Plan with additional activities

·         Educational resources

·         Alphabet fingerspelling cards

·         Certificate of completion for students

·         Stickers and posters

Although the kits are primarily aimed at students in Years 5 & 6 (9 – 11 yrs old), learners of all ages can order them and benefit from the simple and clear learning style of the lessons.  Deaf Aotearoa recommends schools purchase Part One first, prior to moving onto Part Two.

Purchase Part One (3 lesson) for $25, Part Two (10 lesson) for $75 or both for $100

National Anthem DVD in All Three Official Languages

All New Zealand primary and secondary schools will receive a free copy of this fantastic resource.  Limited copies of this DVD are available to the public, please contact nzsign@deaf.org.nz to order yours today.

The Concise Dictionary of NZSL -  This essential guide to NZSL contains more than 2,500 commonly used signs.  A fantastic resource for any school library the dictionary can be ordered at www.bwb.co.nz for $59.99.

NZSL for Babies and Toddlers – Ideal for early childhood educators and parents to easily learn how to communicate with babies and toddlers.  This resource can be ordered from www.deaf.org.nz

Thumbs Up -   Developed by the Ministry of Education, this introduction to NZSL features videos to assist schools with teaching this official language.  Thumbs Ups is available free of charge from www.nzsl.tki.org.nz