Real World Lesson

I think we often think of school, particularly the early years of school, as preparation for doing bigger and better things: learning letters and sounds to become a fluent reader later; learning math facts early enables higher level mathematics down the road; learning to write an effective topic sentence in elementary school leads to effective paragraph and essay writing in middle and high school. And on and on.

Molly Clauss and her Prep II class signing their greetings via Skype to their 

new friends at St. Mary's School for the Deaf. 

But even our youngest students can learn valuable skills that they are able to put to use right away. For many years Prep II students have learned American Sign Language, which they practiced in school, showed off to parents, and used at performances in the theatre. This year, long-time Friendship Club and music teacher, Molly Clauss, has taken signing another step. As we’ve looked for opportunities for EFS students to have an impact in the community through service learning – community service tied directly to curricular goals – Molly has partnered with St. Mary’s School for the Deaf. In September, Molly used the new interactive SMART Board in her classroom and Skype to conduct a joint lesson with a kindergarten class at St. Mary’s, giving both classes the opportunity to practice their signing skills in a real-world, real-time setting without ever leaving their classrooms. This week EFS welcomed the class from St. Mary’s here to perform a joint telling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The cast, made up of students from both schools, signed and spoke the story to the delight of classmates and teachers. Cute doesn’t begin to describe it! The children, both those performing and watching, were totally focused and very proud. Molly said later, “Afterward, all the children went out on the playground, where the real magic began. The children were signing to each other, asking each other to play, asking what their sign name is, and using their knowledge to effectively communicate through the universal childhood language of play. The Prep teachers stood in awe as we watched.” 

EFS and St. Mary's students performing Goldilocks and the Three Bears in spoken 

word and American Sign Language.

Five and six year-olds practicing new skills, using technology, and having a positive impact outside the school. In other words, they were living out the mission of EFS. Next month, the EFS students have been invited to St. Mary’s for a Thanksgiving feast.