Sign book to be launched on TV
SECOND IN SERIES GOES ON RTÉ SHOW
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Wednesday May 13 2009
A LEADING Swords company are set to hit the nation's television screens this week as part of the launch of their second publication.
Simply Signing will unveil their new children's book, 'I Can Sign The Alphabet', on RTÉ's ' The Afternoon Show' this Thursday, May 14th.
Beautifully illustrated by Stephen Wylie and written by Lorna McCormack, the book introduces children of all ages to Irish sign language, allowing youngsters the chance to learn a second language, as well as supporting literacy skills.
'Kids love to explore and discover something new,' Ms McCormack said. 'Our kids have a wonderful opportunity to gain knowledge of Irish sign language and engage in new learning, which will also be of educational advantage.
'Children at a very young age can learn the alphabet in sign and learn to spell words in sign before they can write.
' This fresh new approach helps to support hearing children's literacy and help increase memory.'
The theory has already been put into practice at Little Apples in Boroimhe, where all staff have participated in Simply Signing's programme designed for educational environments, the first crèche in Ireland to do so. The programme teaches child-centred Irish sign language and the staff have skilfully incorporated it into their educational activities, music, play and everyday tasks.
'Providing Irish sign language in their service gives them a unique position as they are equipped to provide a service to deaf and hard of hearing children and their parents and parents of the deaf community,' Ms McCormack continued.
' This offers children an inclusive environment that also focuses on the individual child as well as providing for diversity.'
It's the second offering from the company, who launched the first ever Irish sign language children's book, 'First Animal Sign Book', last year.
Simply Signing's publications are available for all children, as well as supporting children with special needs, and the company encourages all parents and teachers to introduce children to Irish sign language. 'Knowing a second language helps boosts self-esteem, confidence in learning, as well as their awareness of the deaf culture,' Ms McCormack added.
The book is available exclusively from Tesco and www.irishdeaf.com
- Robin KIELY
