In a remarkable display of empathy and friendship, a group of fifth graders in Illinois have dedicated their recess time to learning sign language so they can better communicate with their classmate, Jason. Eleven-year-old Jason has been deaf since birth and joined Mark Bills School this year. He uses Cochlear implants to hear some sounds but primarily relies on sign language, with the assistance of his interpreter, Sarah.
When Jason arrived at school, many of his classmates had little experience interacting with a deaf person. Eager to connect with him, they sought guidance from Sarah and their principal to establish an American Sign Language (ASL) club. This initiative has transformed their free time into a valuable learning experience.
According to reports, the students have been meeting every Wednesday during recess for the last few months to practice new signs with Sarah. She teaches them common phrases, such as “how are you?”, while also integrating their lessons with what they are learning in their regular classes. Sarah expressed her delight at the students’ enthusiasm, saying, “It’s wonderful to see how motivated they are to learn.”
Learning sign language is crucial for Jason, who often feels isolated due to his communication barrier. Sarah noted that having an interpreter can make deaf students feel somewhat disconnected, so it’s heartening to see the students take the initiative to reach out. So far, the group has learned basic signs related to school, food, and clothing. Jason has shared that he feels “really happy” knowing his friends are trying to connect with him. “It’s like they want to be like me,” he said.
This ASL club is not just about learning signs; it’s also about educating the students on the deaf community. Sarah highlighted that this experience introduces them to a culture they may not have been aware of before. It emphasizes the importance of diversity and acceptance, enriching their understanding of the world around them. With over a million people in the U.S. who are functionally deaf, knowledge about the deaf community is essential for fostering inclusivity in schools.
As these students learn sign language, they are not only building a bridge to connect with Jason but also gaining valuable life skills. This experience is fostering acceptance and independence for their classmate, reminding everyone that friendships can transcend communication barriers. And honestly, that’s even more rewarding than recess.
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In summary, a group of fifth-graders has taken the initiative to learn sign language during recess to communicate with their deaf classmate, Jason. This effort not only helps Jason feel included but also educates the students about the deaf community, fostering understanding and acceptance.