Table of Contents

Introduction: why learn British sign language?; who can use "Let's Sign"?; frequently asked questions; a brief history of BSL - a story of oppression; changing attitudes; deaf children and communication needs, deaf children and mental health; some important points to remember, some facts and figures. The building blocks of BSL: introducing the building blocks; introducing Amy and Ben; how we feel - what our faces show; it's not what you sign - it's the way you sign it; BSL handshapes; location and movement - the head - the mind area; location and movement - the body - feelings and emotions; handshape group one - closed hand - tutor's notes; handshape group two - good hand - tutor's notes; handshape group three - pointing hand - tutor's notes; handshape group four - clawed hand - tutor's notes; handshape group five - flat hand - tutor's notes; handshape group six - chat signs - tutor's notes; variations. Fingerspelling and its role in BSL: British two-handed fingerspelling alphabet - left-handed version; British two-handed fingerspelling alphabet - right-handed version; starting to fingerspell - some suggestions; cut out and match the fingerspelt letters. Introducing the signs - the materials and suggestions for use: the signs - flash cards; sign/word cards to match; link the handshapes to the signs; circle the right word; link the words and signs; picture lotto; picture dominoes; fill in the missing letters. Appendices: sources and recommended reading; useful websites, useful contacts; fingerspelling alphabet - grayscale version.

About the Author

Cath Smith originally trained as a Social Worker with Deaf People, developing services for deaf people in Cleveland where she still lives and works. She is a Registered Qualified Sign Language Interpreter who has also worked for many years in deaf education, teaching Communication Skills to students and families in addition to working on BSL teaching resources.