Lesley Gorton, Events Manager for SignHealth, which is the national healthcare charity for Deaf people, said: “Any schools that sign up for sign2sing will receive our resource pack, which can be used within the curriculum.
“It not only provides information about the event and guidance on how to teach children to sing and sign the sign2sing song but also includes a range of information and fun activities that teachers can use in the classroom to increase understanding about non-verbal communication.
“It contains understandable information about deafness, as well as fun exercises to get children communicating without using words. It also provides an explanation about how we communicate, semaphore, fingerspelling and lip-reading.
“We hope that teachers will be able to use the pack to get children involved in the fun activities, which raise awareness of sign language, as well as helping them to improve their memory, concentration and fine motor skills.”
The sign2sing event is designed to raise awareness of deafness and the work of SignHealth, as well as acting as a fundraiser for the charity through sponsorship from businesses and a suggested donation of £1 for everyone taking part.
Young people from all over the country and overseas will learn to sign a song, entitled ‘Sign2sing’, which has been composed especially for the event. The lyrics were written by Garry Slack, author of the award-winning ‘Sign with Olli’ books and the music was composed by Paul Fairey, who has written various theme tunes for television and radio.
Lesley continued: “Learning to sign has lots of educational benefits and very often stimulates an interest to learn more about sign language and how it is used within the Deaf community.
“Because sign language is visual rather than a spoken language, many children find it easy to learn and are able to quickly acquire a large vocabulary of signs.
“By providing teachers with these resource packs we hope they will help their pupils to learn to sign and explore another way of communicating.”
Any schools that decide to take part in sign2sing will receive a resource pack, which includes a DVD to show children how to sign the song.
They will be joining hundreds of schools all over the country and some in other countries at GMT 2.45pm on February 8 when they attempt to break the world record.
The event is primarily aimed at four to 11-year-olds, however other younger or older children and adults can join in if they wish.
The closing date for registrations for sign2sing 2012 is Friday, January 20, 2012.
01494 687600
