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Sharing Books Using ASL and Deaf Cultural Literacy Practices  (PST693-EXT1, 1 credit)
Frederick, MD

Course Description:

This 1-credit course will focus on making the book sharing visually accessible for the children, translating the pictures and print into developmentally appropriate ASL, varying the complexity and contexulization of the ASL translations, and demonstrating multiple links between ASL and English.  The course will be conducted in ASL.

Rationale:

It is well understood that the English literacy development of many Deaf students is not adequate.  It is also well documented that book sharing is one of the most effective ways to provide any young child with the knowledge required for successful reading.  There is a pressing need for teachers to increase their ability to share stories in a visually based way using American Sign Language. Such daily book sharing will help provide young Deaf students with a strong linguistic foundation on which to base their English development, foster a positive attitude towards books and reading, act as a source of information, and facilitate the cognitive processes, which are vital to academic success.

Content/goals:

Educational benefits of high quality book sharing, effective book sharing practices, and deaf cultural literacy practices: translating, scaffolding, book sharing routines, and linking ASL-English will be shared and included.  Each student will improve his/her ASL book-sharing ability.  Readings, class discussion and/or practice sessions will touch on the following areas:  attention strategies, book sharing in groups vs. individual settings, use of ASL classifiers in description and character development, use of space (e.g., in dialogue, description of story setting, pictures, etc.), use of non-manual markers, and maintaining character and spatial consistency throughout a complex storyline.   Elements of book selection for various age groups will be discussed and examples will be provided.  Book sharing as one part of a whole language classroom will be emphasized, including the importance of developing thematic units and reading across the curriculum.

Instructor:

Lynne C. Erting, a teacher/researcher at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University, has spent the past 24 years teaching and learning from deaf students ranging in age from 2-15 years as well as undergraduate and graduate students in higher education. She received her M.A. in deaf education (elementary) from Gallaudet University, her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in Curriculum and Instruction. Lynne's areas of doctoral study included early childhood education, emergent language/literacy development, bilingual and second language education. Lynne has extensive experience team-teaching with Deaf teachers in visually oriented, bilingual (ASL/English) early childhood classrooms. Currently a research associate with the Signs of Literacy Research Team, Lynne is developing research-based training materials designed to provide pre-service and practicing preschool teachers with the knowledge and strategies to share books in ASL with small groups of young deaf children in enjoyable and comprehensible ways.

Janet S. Weinstock, a native of New York City, was born to Deaf parents.  She has a BA in English and a MA in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University. She has been teaching ASL/English and Deaf Studies at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf for more than 25 years.  In her roles as Lead Teacher and Literacy Specialist, she has worked with students, teachers, and staff at all grade levels.  She has taught courses such as Children’s Literature, Putting Deaf Studies into Practice, Language and Reading Methods, Story-sharing Techniques, and Foundations in Deaf Education at Gallaudet University and Western Maryland College.  Janet has developed and conducted a variety of workshops and presentations focusing mainly on putting theory to practice in home and educational settings, such as, ASL/English literacy and language development and Deaf Studies to diverse groups, such as, parents of Deaf children, professionals, and school-age students.

PREREQUISITES: None.

Course Materials:

REQUIRED:  Students are expected to bring their own copies of Funny Farm, Tom Arma; The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle; and, The Enormous Crocodile, Roald Dahl. DVD, Beyond Strategies: Book Sharing the Deaf Way, Lynne Erting. Order.

OPTIONAL: Students can bring their own copies of the following books (excerpts will be used in class):  Sleepy Bear, Lydia Dabcovich; The Twits, Roald Dahl;  Martha Speaks, Susan Meddaugh; The Little Mouse, The Red RipeStrawberry  and The Big Hungry Bear,  Don and Audrey Wood.

LOCATION: CSD of Maryland, 452 Prospect Blvd, Frederick, MD 21701
Directions: Google Maps

FEES: All fees must be sent with your application.

NOTE:  Tuition and fees are subject to change without advance notice.

*PST credit:  *PST credit: Courses with the prefix PST (Professional Studies and Training) are continuing education credits offered for professionals who may not desire academic credits. PST courses carry Gallaudet University credits but are not applicable toward a Gallaudet University degree or certificate program. Some other universities and accrediting organizations do accept PST credits, however, so students should check to determine applicability of coursework elsewhere.

Registration Deadline:  October 26, 2007

Refund Policy: 
Before the registration deadline:  Tuition is refundable upon written request; however, a $50.00 administrative fee will be retained. Written requests must be received by the deadline or refund will be processed as noted below.

After the registration deadline:  Partial tuition is refundable upon written request (application fee and material fee, where applicable, is not refundable). Schedule is as follows:

withdrawals after 10/26/07- 50% tuition refundable 
withdrawals by – 11/2/07 - 25% tuition refundable 
withdrawals after 11/2/07 - no refund of tuition

It is IMPERATIVE that your written request for refund is in the Professional Studies and Outreach Office by the registration deadline.

For further information on this course: Contact Professional Studies and Outreach at 202-651-5400 (TTY/V), VP or 202-651-5987 (FAX) or jacqueline.mann@gallaudet.edu