02 4393 6767

    LEARN TO COMMUNICATE WITH KEY WORD SIGNING

    (using individual Auslan Signs)

    Key word signing can be used to encourage speech and language development, to communicate with friends/family, enhance job skills or potential employment opportunities. 


    Key word signing consists of signing important words, at the same time as using slow, simplified speech. The spoken words, the ‘signed’ words and facial expression are all important, as they all convey meaning. In Australia, spoken words are combined with individual Auslan signs.


    FREE VIDEOS: Search our playlists on YouTube:  SIGN OF THE WEEK and STORY OF THE WEEK. Sign along with Danika to learn new vocabulary and practise your signing skills.


    Key Word Signing Classes

     
    Learn to Sign using the Sign and Speak Australia Short Courses


    Designed and Written by 
     Jane Beale
     Speech Pathologist


    • Levels 1 to 2 (Beginners)
    • Levels 3 to 5 (Easy Level)
    • Levels 6 to 10 (Intermediate Level)
    • Classes taught by Danika Maher at Visual Language Connections
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    A woman and a little girl are standing next to each other and smiling.
    BEGINNERS

    Beginners Levels 1 & 2 are recommended as an introduction to Key Word Signing. 

    * Small friendly interactive classes

    * Learn the alphabet/finger spelling

    * Develop a sign vocabulary (Auslan signs)

    * Sign along to music

    * Level 1 and 2 for Beginners goes for six face to face hours - taught as four parts, over 4 x 1.5 hour classes

    EASY LEVELS

    Beginners Levels 3 to 5 are recommended as a follow on from Levels 1 and 2 or for anyone with some prior experience of the signing alphabet and/or key word signing. 

    This is a good level for people who have not signed for a long time and are wanting to review their skills. 

    * Each level runs for three hours (the levels are split into two parts, so they are taught as 2 x 1.5 hour classes)

    INTERMEDIATE LEVELS

    Participants can finish at Level 5 or progress to the intermediate classes. Levels 6 to 10 are suitable for people who are confident with a basic vocabulary of signs and have some level of proficiency with the signing alphabet. 

    * Each level runs for three hours (the levels are split into two parts, so they are taught as 2 x 1.5 hour classes)



     EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS


    Designed and Written by 
     Jane Beale, Speech Pathologist

    and

    Danika Maher, Early Childhood Educator


    • Part ONE  (Beginners)
    • Part TWO (Easy Level)
    Part one learn to sign with children 2-5 years

    Learn how Key Word Signing can be used to encourage speech and language development for children in early childhood.


    * Focus age is children 2 - 5 years (including typically developing children and children using key word signing for their primary mode of communication)


    * Approximately 100 signs taught for everyday objects, actions and concepts


    * Learn how to sign names (basic alphabet and appropriate level finger spelling skills)


    Learn how Key Word Signing with children can help:

    • Increase attention and concentration
    • Improve understanding / assist with behaviour management
    • Teach copying skills - boost confidence and engagement
    • Develop expressive language skills - speech and/or signing


    AT THE 2 HOUR WORKSHOP

    - Practise SIGNING to music in a fun and relaxed manner

    - Receive emailed resources including posters, song sheets, and a colour booklet containing photos of the signs taught


    If you are interested in extending your knowledge and would like to build your vocabulary further, we now have PART TWO that carries on from this workshop.


    Please email Danika for current workshops. 

    Email Danika for workshop dates
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    If you are interested in extending your knowledge and would like to build your vocabulary further, we now have PART TWO that carries on from this workshop (see flyer for details).



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    Baby Sign

    Baby Sign provides an introduction to the concept of Key Word Sign and how it can be used to support infants and toddlers early speech and  language skills. 


    Learn the foundations of language development, the benefits of using Key Word Sign with children and a vocabulary of approximately 50 everyday signs


    Facilitated by Key Word Sign instructor Danika Maher from Visual Language Connections (speech pathology assistant/early childhood educator), our baby sign workshops include: 


    *Learning about the foundations of early language development and how babies learn to talk


    *Introduction of the concept of Key Word Signing and how it can be used to support communication


    *Provision of effective strategies to introduce key word signing into daily routines at home and in the childcare environment


    *Information about the potential benefits of signing with babies and toddlers


    POSTERS AND BOOKLET include:


    * Signs for Mealtimes


    * Signs for Playtimes


    * Signs for Everyday


    * Signs for Colours


    * Signing Names (includes finger spelling first letters of names)


    Practice signing with your infants in a fun, relaxed manner. Hand-outs include posters and a colour booklet containing photographs of the signs taught (included in the price of the workshop)


    Baby Sign classes and Key Word Signing sessions for Preschoolers are available upon request, by contacting Early Childhood Educator, Danika Maher - email Danika via the button below:

    Email Danika to make an enquiry
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    ENROL IN A KEY WORD SIGNING COURSE OR WORKSHOP

    (Conducted Online) 

    Email Danika for workshop dates
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