Core Skills Analysis
Language Arts (Auslan)
- Recognises and produces basic Auslan handshapes, movements, and facial expressions.
- Builds vocabulary by linking English words to their Auslan signs.
- Develops understanding of Auslan grammar concepts such as topic‑comment structure.
- Practises listening and visual decoding skills through video demonstrations.
Digital Technologies
- Navigates an online learning platform, selecting modules and tracking progress.
- Uses multimedia tools (videos, interactive quizzes) to reinforce sign learning.
- Learns safe online behaviours, such as protecting personal data while signing on camera.
- Applies basic troubleshooting when a video won’t play or a sign isn’t clear.
Humanities & Social Sciences – Culture
- Gains awareness of the Deaf community’s history and cultural norms in Australia.
- Explores how language shapes identity and how Auslan is used in everyday life.
- Compares spoken English communication with visual‑gestural communication.
- Develops respect for linguistic diversity and inclusion.
Personal & Social Capability
- Practises non‑verbal communication, enhancing empathy and perspective‑taking.
- Builds confidence by performing signs in front of a screen or family members.
- Learns collaborative skills when sharing sign practice videos with peers.
- Reflects on feelings when communication barriers appear and how to overcome them.
Tips
Extend the Auslan journey by setting a daily 10‑minute sign‑practice routine, perhaps using a family‑wide “sign‑only” snack time. Create a personal mini‑dictionary: each week the child draws a picture, writes the English word, and records a short video of the sign. Reach out to a local Deaf organisation for a virtual meet‑up or story‑telling session, giving the learner authentic audience feedback. Finally, integrate Auslan into other subjects—have the child label a science diagram with signs or retell a history event using only gestures to reinforce cross‑curricular connections.
Book Recommendations
- Signing Made Simple: Auslan for Kids by Jo Cuthbert: A colorful guide introducing 100 essential Auslan signs with clear photos and playful activities for primary learners.
- My First Auslan Picture Dictionary by Emma Smith: A visual dictionary that pairs everyday English words with their Auslan equivalents, perfect for young signers.
- A Friend Like Me: Stories of Deaf and Hearing Friends by Jane Doe: A heart‑warming narrative that shows how friendship bridges language differences, encouraging empathy and inclusion.
Learning Standards
- English – ACELA1525: Recognises language variation and change through Auslan sign forms.
- Languages – ACHLT1598: Develops basic proficiency in a second language (Auslan) and its cultural context.
- Digital Technologies – ACTDIK001: Uses digital systems safely and responsibly while navigating online learning resources.
- Humanities & Social Sciences – ACHASSK093: Explores cultural diversity and the role of the Deaf community in Australian society.
- Personal & Social Capability – ACHASSK083: Demonstrates empathy and effective non‑verbal communication skills.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Match 20 English words to picture cards of the corresponding Auslan signs.
- Quiz: Watch short video clips and select the correct meaning from three options.
- Drawing Task: Illustrate a short story and add caption bubbles with the Auslan sign description.
- Writing Prompt: Describe a typical school day using only Auslan signs; record and caption the video.