Core Skills Analysis
Emotional and Language Development
- Avva-Marie demonstrated an understanding of affection by hugging and kissing the plush globe, indicating emotional connection to symbolic objects.
- By signing the word 'love' in ASL, she engaged with non-verbal communication, showing early development in alternative language systems.
- The activity encourages empathy and global awareness, linking positive feelings to a representation of the world.
- She practiced fine motor skills and coordination related to signing, integrating physical movement with meaning.
Tips
To deepen Avva-Marie's understanding of emotions and communication, parents and educators can encourage repeated practice of simple ASL signs related to feelings, such as 'happy,' 'thank you,' and 'friend.' Creating storytime sessions featuring global themes and emotional expressions can broaden her awareness of the world and diverse cultures. Using a globe or world map during play to identify places while reinforcing affectionate gestures promotes geographic curiosity alongside emotional intelligence. Introducing role-playing activities where she expresses feelings through gestures or signing fosters confidence and strengthens language acquisition in both verbal and non-verbal forms.
Book Recommendations
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold: A vibrant celebration of diversity, community, and kindness, perfect for fostering global awareness and love for others.
- Baby Signs: Love by Joel Shaul: A simple introduction to American Sign Language signs related to emotions, ideal for toddlers beginning to express feelings.
- The Globe Trotting Adventures of Ava & Aiden by Ella Burfoot: A gentle story introducing young children to different parts of the world, sparking curiosity and affection for global cultures.
Learning Standards
- Canadian ECE Social-Emotional Development (C1.1) – Demonstrating empathy and understanding feelings.
- Canadian ECE Language Development (C2.2) – Using signs and gestures to communicate meaning.
- Canadian ECE Fine Motor Skills (C3.1) – Practicing hand movements through signing.
- Canadian ECE Cultural Awareness and Identity (C4.3) – Developing an early respectful connection to global symbols and diversity.
Try This Next
- Create a simple worksheet with pictures of different emotions alongside their ASL signs for Avva-Marie to practice and color.
- Encourage Avva-Marie to draw her own 'love globe' featuring symbols and pictures representing people or places she loves.