Conference moira::parenting_v3

    This may not be exactly what the doctor ordered for a preschooler, but
    it couldn't hurt and it might be of interest to parents of older kids. 
    PBS ran a series called "French in Action" a few years ago and I can't
    say enough in its praise!  Its premise is immersion--you see everyday
    situations (and get to know the fairly small cast of characters)
    conducted *entirely in French* but with enough repetition and clarity
    that you pick it up in spite of yourself.  There's a lot of humor, a
    fair amount of everyday (clean) slang, and just about none of the dry
    "la plume de ma tante..." stuff.  Also a review of the key phrases,
    given engagingly by a slightly wacky-looking professor (IMO), with
    reruns of the appropriate sections of the story illustrating the quiz. 
    Each segment is 30 min; I think there were 12 segments but it might
    have gone to 20 or so.  Probably available from PBS' christmas catalog
    (I think the one I get from 'GBH in Boston is called Signals, and it
    has lots of other neat stuff).
    
    Thanks to your reminder, I'm going to get out those that I taped and
    see if Alex has a renewed interest.  (Je vais a la `video'teque!   A
    bientot...)
    
    Leslie

    Just a personal opinion; while teaching things to someone very young
    will probably be easier than taking a college course, as far as
    retention is concerned, the best tool to learning more than one
    language is practice, i.e. hearing the sounds of that language at home.
    Since my parents were german immigrants, German is the first lanuage
    I learned before I went to school. (Then of course I quickly had to
    understand WHY there were two words to describe everything, and that
    some people would not understand one of those words...8-) ). 
    Why don't you learn WITH your child? Find someone in the family or
    a close friend who knows another language and have them speak to
    you and your child in that language as often as possible. 
    THAT would be the best trick.
    
    Monica 
    

    
    RE: .2
    
    	That's basically the immersion concept. If you want to see it in
    action contact the Holliston school dept. They run a french immersion
    program beginning in Kindergarten.
    
    

I will second Monica's recommendation.  You MUST speak it with your children or
include them in an immersion program.

I studied German for many years in school.  I have been speaking German with
Melissa at home since day 1.  It's not easy when it isn't your first language
but it can work.  A couple of things I can recommend:

1) Get kids books in the language.  I highly recommend that you check out
   Schoenhof's in Cambridge for this.  We have copies of some of the Richard
   Scarry books and some fairy tale books.
2) Get a copy of the Oxford-Duden Pictorial dictionary for the language.  This
   should be available through most any bookstore, though you might have to
   special order.  This dictionary is a bilingual version of Duden's monolingual
   German Bildw�rterbuch.  It has pictures of scenes or related things (ie:
   different rooms in the house, farm animals, wild animals) and gives the
   English and the other language words for things.  It is amazing the stuff
   that it covers.
3) Go for records, tapes and songs in the language.  Kids will learn songs
   incredibly quickly.

Dick

    Well, this is a little off the subject, but what the heck .....
    
    Has anyone had any experience teaching children sign language??
    I've always been very interested in learning it, and thought it would
    be something neat - AND QUIET - for my boys to pick up.  Any thoughts
    on this???  Jason is only 3 1/2 so the dexterity for it probably isn't
    quite there yet, but Chris is 6 ...
    
    Thanks!
    Patty

    I used a sitter briefly when AJ was an infant.  She had three daughters
    all under 10, one of them was profoundly deaf.  All of her children
    "signed".  She often commented how "quietly" her children played.
    
    Her children had been exposed to signing since early childhood, so to
    them it was like a second language.
    
    For my purposes, I've always wanted to learn to sign, but have never
    been able to put my hands on a course.  I would like AJ to learn it
    too, simply because he may, during his school years encounter a deaf
    child.
    
    Just my thoughts....
    Lyn

Teaching sign language to Evan has been much simpler than teaching French to
him.  With Sign, I can sign and talk (English) at the same time, and he
picked up the words quickly.  Before he was verbal, Sign Language was a 
godsend.  He couldn't *say* hungry, thirsty, but he could *sign* it (I actually
taught him the sign for "food" instead of "hunger", but it worked).

Since I don't sign to him often, he knows very few words.  The one he uses
the most is "silly".  :-)   He also knows two ways of saying "I love you."
One day, when he was about 18-24 months old, his daycare provider was holding
him at the window to wave goodbye to me.  She knew that I had taught him some
signs, including the one-handed "I love you".  She also knew Sign because her
in-laws are deaf, so as she was holding him, she shaped his fingers into
the sign - |..|
               /   (thumb, index, and little fingers extended)
Evan looked at what she was doing, then with his fingers in the same positions,
he moved his hand so it was parallel with the ground and started moving his
hand back and forth.  I couldn't stop laughing.  The new sign meant "airplane"
(much more important to him at the time)!  ("Varroooooommmmmm")

Anyway, many colleges, universities, and deaf centers offer classes in ASL
(American Sign Language).  It can be a lot of fun, and comes in handy when
your child is across a crowded room (or you and your spouse are in a noisy
area) and you don't want to yell!

      Carol

    Seseame Street also has a Sign Language instruction book with the deaf
    actress who is on the show.
    
    

re : 1142.5 - there's also a child's book on sign which give you pictures of
the object (bed, chair, someone running....), the word in print and the "sign"
for the word......I got it for my son, when he was a little too young for it,
but now he's more interested....will get the actual title and author, publisher
from home tonight and enter it here later/tomorrow.

Debbi J    
    

Hmmm..  
        You just missed the 1-hour ASL session that was sponsored as part of
Deaf Awareness Week (yesterday).  I suppose you could contact Sharon Caserta
(see below) because I believe that DEC has a kind of ongoing committment in 
offering ASL courses (at least Level 1) to our employees. I think there are
at least 3 `level 1' classes in progress right now.  They are offered 2x per
year, I believe...

         Anyway, I'm not a regular in the conference.  Someone who is just
suggested that I might share this with you all...

                            ..m. (michael)

    DIGITAL CELEBRATES - "DEAF AWARENESS WEEK"
    
    SEPTEMBER 23, 1991 - SEPTEMBER 29, 1991
    
    The World Federation for the Deaf (WFD) has designated the last week in
    September as a time to celebrate the rich heritage and many
    accomplishments of the Deaf Community. THe World Federation consists of
    70 member countries, the U.S. representative is the National Association
    of the Deaf (NAD), which promotes this time of recognition and
    outreach. Digital Equipment Corporation participates in the event to
    support the independence and success of the Deaf Community of Digital.
    
    We encourage all employees to increase their awareness and strive to
    learn more about the valuable contribution our deaf employees,
    customers and vendors offer to Digital.
    
    In support of Deaf Awareness Week 1991 Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services
    and the Valuing Diversity Committee of Marlboro invite you to attend
    activities in the Marlboro area.
    
    o An Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL)
    
      September 24th, Tuesday, 11:30AM - 12:30PM, Oaks Conference Room
      MRO3-2(Cafe)
    
      This short instructional session will allow employees to gain exposure in
      communicating through American Sign Language. Participants will leave
      with the ability to express some basic concepts which will aid them in
      any future interactions with deaf customers, employees or vendors.
    
    o The Deaf Community and Digital: DEAFintely a Good Partnership
    
      September 26th, Thursday, 11:30AM - 12:30PM, Oaks Conference Room
      MRO3-2 (Cafe)
    
    Registration is not required but is recommended due to seating
    limitations. Contact: Denise Hurley@MRO or MCIS1::Dhurley
    
    In addition to these workshops an information table of literature about
    deafness and the community will be located near the MRO1 Cafeteria. A
    display of books and brochures will also be located in the exhibit area
    located in MRO2-2 (beside the elevator).
    
    For general information contact:
    
    Sharon Caserta, Program Manager Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services
    MCIS2::Caserta or @MRO, DTN 297-2515 or 3444 V/TTY
    
    
    
                                                                      

From:	MCIS2::CASERTA      "PROGRAM MANAGER, DEAF/HEARING IMPAIRED SERVICES 297-2515 V/TTY" 18-SEP-1991 14:20:31.02
To:	@FUTURESIGNERS3.
CC:	CASERTA
Subj:	Deaf awareness week, Sept23-29th, listing of INTERNAL events

Hello,

FYI and please fell free to share with others.

Regards
Sharon

			 DIGITAL CELEBRATES 

		        "DEAF AWARENESS WEEK"

		   September 23 - September 29th, 1991	


In support of the independence and success of the Deaf community, Digital
Equipment Corporation participates in recognizing "Deaf Awareness Week 
1991." We encourage all employees to increase their awareness and strive 
to learn more about the valuable contribution our deaf employees, customers and 
vendors offer to Digital.


In honor of Deaf Awareness Week 1991 Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services and 
Valuing Diversity Committees across the company invite you to attend 
any of the following activities. There may be additional activities 
occurring at your facility, check your local VTX listing for more 
information.

Registration is not required but is recommended due to seating limitations.


MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd
_______________________


o	COMMUNICATING VISUALLY: A SILENT WORKSHOP

	Employees are invited to participate in a workshop designed to gain 
	a better understanding of receiving and transmitting information 
	visually, through the use of gestures, body language, facial 
	expression, and American Sign Language.
	
	Required materials: An open mind, a motivated attitude and a 
	desire to enjoy a new experience.
	
	Offered at : BTO, Burlington Vermont, 10:00 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 2:30 
	Contact : Donna Moore, BTOVT::MOORE_D


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th
_______________________


o	COMMUNICATING VISUALLY: A SILENT WORKSHOP
	Offered at : OGO, Stow, (Management Science CR OGO1-1/L15) 10:00-11:00am
	Contact: Gary Kenefick, TOP40::KENEFICK


o	AN INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL)

	This short instructional session will allow employees to gain 
	exposure in communicating through American Sign Language. 
	Participants will leave with the ability to express some basic 
	concepts which will aid them in any future interactions with 
	deaf customers, employees or vendors.

 	Offered at: MRO3, Marlboro (Oaks Conf Room MRO3-2 near cafe) 11:30-
	12:30 pm
	Contact: Denise Hurley MCIS1::HURLEY or @MRO


o	AN INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL)

	Offered at: HLO, Hudson , 12:00-1:00 pm
	Contact: Annalise Lafferty, MCIS2::Lafferty

	
o	COMMUNICATING VISUALLY: A SILENT WORKSHOP
	Offered at: BXC, Boxboro (Quebec Conf room BXC1-1/H6) 1:00-2:30 pm
	Contact: Mary Collins, ISLNDS::COLLINS


o	THE DEAF COMMUNITY AND DIGITAL: DEAFinetly A GOOD PARTNERSHIP

	This interactive presentation will provide a variety of information
	about the rich culture and heritage of the Deaf community. The 
	workshop will also provide participants insight in the areas of:

	o Communicating with deaf employees, customers and vendors
	o Devices utilized to communicate with deaf people
	o Using professional sign language interpreters

	Offered at : BXC1, Boxboro (in cafeteria), 3:00-4:00 pm
	Contact: Mary Collins, ISLNDS::COLLINS


WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th
_________________________


o	WORKING TOGETHER: COMMUNICATION DEAFinetly MAKES a DIFFERENCE
	
	This workshop is tailored for employers in the New England area.
	It is designed to enhance the awareness of corporations as to the
	untapped resources of the deaf and hard of hearing employee.

	Sponsored by: Digital Equipment Corporation, The Northeast Independent 
	Living Program (NILP), Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) 
	and the Gallaudet Regional Center.

	Offered at : DAS, Andover, 9:00-1:00 pm
	This workshop is a closed session

		
o	COMMUNICATING VISUALLY: A SILENT WORKSHOP
	Offered at : LKG1, Littleton (Howe Conf room) 2:30-4:00 pm
	Contact: Debbie Salois, DELNI::SALOIS


THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th
_________________________

o	THE DEAF COMMUNITY AND DIGITAL: DEAFinetly A GOOD PARTNERSHIP
	Offered at : OGO, STOW,(Management Science CR OGO1-1/L15) 9:30-10:30 am
	Contact: Gary Kenefick, TOP40::KENEFICK

o	THE DEAF COMMUNITY AND DIGITAL: DEAFinetly A GOOD PARTNERSHIP
	Offered at: MRO, Marlboro (Oaks Conf room MRO3-2), 11:30- 12:30pm
	Contact: Denise Hurley, MCIS1::HURLEY or @MRO

o	AN INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL)
	Offered at : HLO, Hudson, 12:00-1:00 pm
	Contact: Annalise Lafferty, MCIS2::Lafferty

o	An INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL)
	Offered at : LKG1, Littleton (Gloucester CR) 1:30-2:30 pm
	Contact: Debbie Salois, DELNI::SALOIS

	
SEPTEMBER 27th, Friday
_______________________
	
o	COMMUNICATING VISUALLY: A SILENT WORKSHOP
	Offered at: MSO2, Maynard , 9:30-11:00 am
	Contact: Annalise Lafferty, MCIS2::LAFFERTY



In addition to these workshops an information table of literature about 
deafness and the community will be located in the following facilities:

Marlboro (MRO1), Andover (DAS), Burlington VT (BTO), Salem NH (NIO), 
Colorado (CXO), Augusta ME (ASO), Littleton (LKG), Landover MD (MEL), Stow 
(OGO), Nashua NH (DDD and NQO), Hudson (HLO), Seattle WA (ZSO), Maynard 
(MSO,MLO and PKO), Palo Alto CA (UCT), Greenville SC (GSO2), Boxboro (BXC), 
Alpharetta and Atlanta GA (ALF & ATO), Chicago and Schaumburg IL (ACI, SIO 
& RDC), Albuquerque NM (ABO).

For general information contact:

Sharon Caserta, Program Manager Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services
MCIS2::CASERTA or @MRO, DTN 297-2515 or 3444 V/TTY	

    Cheryl,

    Around New England, it's pretty easy to expose your kids to other
    cultures and languages.   A survey in the Nashua school system
    last year found that elementary school students in Nashua speak 28
    different languages in their homes. 

    Spanish and French are both widely spoken.  There's a
    Spanish-language radio station (I think it broadcasts out of
    Providence?) and a couple of French-language TV stations if you
    get cable.  Two or three Boston-based TV stations carry Sesame
    Street in Spanish. 

    Plus there are always cultural fairs of some kind going on around
    the area -- there's a stupendous Greek fair down in Lowell, and
    also a Cambodian one.  You might be able to attend such an event
    for the language you're interested in and see if you can find a
    playgroup or other activity where you'd have to speak the other
    language.  Generally members of such cultural-preservation groups
    are very excited about having someone learn.

    The Chandler Center in Nashua (part of the public library) is set
    up to promote ethnic respect and diversity.  You might try giving
    them a call to see what courses and events they know about.

    --bonnie

    	Shayne will be 2 in two weeks and he has been signing for almost
    8 months.  As someone else said previously, it has been a god send.  
    I was getting very frustrated not knowing what he wanted and when I 
    expressed this to his speech therapist, she started with signing. We 
    sometimes have to adapt to Shayne's way of signing, but at least we 
    know now what he wants.  
    	When he started learning sign, my sister's kids (5,6,7) also
    started learning in school so it makes it kind of neat watching them 
    trying to teach Shayne, especially -I love you.