Last night I went to my second sign language class. As I mentioned before, my DIL and the GGs are taking the class too. My DIL has been signing for years and has taught the GGs much. Last week both girls did great. This week, they were a bit distracted. I had gotten to class early and chosen a seat where my DIL could sit somewhere around me if she chose or if she needed me to help with the girls. But they were arrived late so they ended up sitting in front of me. Two other little girls from our church had sat on either side of me. GBN1 turned around in her seat to talk to me throughout the class. I was constantly urging her to pay attention to the teacher. I think it bothered her that there were other kids around me and getting my attention. Katie Belle, who is five years old, was sitting to my right. She had not really wanted to sit next to me, but her mother left her with me anyway. She was quick to pick up on the fact that GBN1 wanted to be in my lap. Belle figured out that I was someone’s "nana" and she took advantage. Before class was over, she was in my lap and all over me. I’m sure GBN1 was thinking, "Hey, that is my spot!" As soon as class was over, GBN1 grabbed my hand and began tugging, "Booboo, lets go outside and play!" I was worn out and my DIL was worn out from wrestling GBN2, who had been fussy throughout the class. Maybe we will do better next week.
The sign language class is very interesting, and I love it so far. It is really cool to see the little ones signing as well as the adults. At one point, GBN1 left class. When she came back a few minutes later, she waved her little hand in the sign for "bathroom" to tell me where she had gone. Pretty funny!
Speaking of morning rituals (from yesterday's post), ours was a bit off this morning. After a night of weird dreams and fitful sleep, I awoke to realize that the alarm had not gone off and it was time for Toby to leave for work, but he was sleeping soundly beside me. I jumped up and poured us some coffee while Toby headed to the shower. It was at this point that I realized I had several mosquito bites – one on my bottom – which will be difficult to scratch without looking like some sort of dumb hick. The good news is that Toby left for work after only drinking one cup of coffee – leaving the rest of the pot for me. I may survive.
7 comments:
I'm surprised there are classes for kids as young as GBN2... but that's a good thing!
I'm always amazed at how rapidly and effectively a person who uses ASL every day can communicate... especially the ones you see on teevee, signing some politico's speech.
As for your morning coffee... I always have a full pot to myself, LOL! And I drink the whole thing, too.
They had the little kids in with the adults? Interesting. I would think it would be too big a distraction.
Becky and Buck, you would be surprised at how quickly the little ones catch on to the signing. Their little minds are just geared to learn language. As for the distraction, well, it can be, but the people of our church are use to it. There are no Sunday school classes where the kids are wisked away. People are encouraged to train their kids to behave in public places like church/classes. The couple who teach the ASL also run a camp for deaf children. The mom is deaf and one of their five children have a hearing loss - they all grew up with sign language - so teaching ASL to the little ones is quite normal for them.
A whole pot of coffee...all to yourself? That would be nice.
Amy, the whole pot - one of life's simple pleasures:)
Oh, I have no doubt that they will learn very quickly. I'm just wondering how much you and DIL will get out of the class if you have to spend the whole time wrestling them, as you put it.
Lou - Keep the Sign Language stories coming ... I am greatly interested in the topic. My daughter and I took Sign Language years ago and we had a ball. I got through about 6 months of classes and was on my way to being just a little bit proficient - when I fell and broke my arm in a bad place, ended up with some mobility problems and had to stop signing. Years later, my arm has improved, but I have procrastinated going back to class. My goal was always to be able to use Sign in my nursing career, but now that I am retired, I guess I would just learn it for fun.
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