Auslan Reading Activity: Learn Sign Language Basics for Kids

Learn about Auslan with this reading activity for kids. Discover Australian Sign Language & Deaf culture, answer comprehension questions & try basic signs.

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Auslan Adventure: Reading About Sign!

Materials Needed:

  • Access to the internet
  • A short article or story about Auslan or Deaf culture in Australia (You can search online for age-appropriate options, e.g., 'Auslan facts for kids', 'stories about deaf Australians')
  • Notebook or paper
  • Pencil or pen

Introduction: What is Auslan? (5 minutes)

Have you ever thought about how people talk without using their voices? Many people around the world, especially in Australia, use sign language! One of these languages is called Auslan (Australian Sign Language). It uses hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions to communicate ideas. Today, we're going to read about Auslan and learn a little bit about this fascinating language!

Reading Time! (15-20 minutes)

Find an interesting article or short story online about Auslan. Make sure it's suitable for your reading level. Read it carefully. As you read, think about:

  • What is the main idea of the text?
  • What new facts did you learn about Auslan?
  • Are there any words you don't know? (Try to figure them out using context clues, or look them up later!)

Comprehension Check (10 minutes)

In your notebook, answer these questions about what you read:

  1. What was the reading mainly about?
  2. Write down two interesting facts you learned about Auslan or Deaf culture in Australia.
  3. Why is Auslan important?
  4. Were there any new vocabulary words? If so, write them down and what you think they mean.

Let's Learn Some Signs! (10-15 minutes)

Auslan is a visual language! Let's try learning a few basic signs. You can search for videos or diagrams online (good search terms are 'Auslan dictionary' or 'basic Auslan signs'). Here are a few ideas to look up:

  • Hello
  • Thank you
  • Book
  • Read
  • Learn

Practice making the signs. Isn't it interesting how movements can represent words?

Activity: Sign & Share (10 minutes)

Choose one of these activities:

  • Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) summarizing what you learned about Auslan today. Try to include one of the facts you found most interesting.
  • Draw pictures of the Auslan signs you learned. Label each picture.
  • Try signing a simple sentence like "I read a book" or "Hello, thank you."

Wrap-up (5 minutes)

Great job exploring Auslan today! We learned that Auslan is the sign language used in Australia, read about its importance, and even learned a few signs. Communication comes in many forms, and learning about sign language helps us understand and connect with more people!