Adult Sign Language Classes
2007 - 2008 School Year
Adult sign language classes at Perkins are offered twice a year, during the fall and spring. All classes are taught in Signed English and meet once a week for two hours. Twelve-week sessions begin mid-September and are repeated again beginning late January. Classes are open to the community and anyone age 16 or over may register for a class.
Fall sign language courses will begin mid-September. Registration will begin September 2, 2008. Classes are for adults and are offered at no cost to Perkins staff members, volunteers, ELP participants and current student teachers/interns. Tuition is $50.00 for all others. There are no classes on the Columbus Day Monday holiday. For registration materials call 617-924-3444, ext. 8317.
Fall 2008 Course Schedules
Level One: includes approximately 500 word vocabulary, introduction to fingerspelling and development of basic sign language skills.
Level Two: includes approximately 500 word vocabulary, expansion of fingerspelling and sign language skills. (Prerequisite: successful completion of a level one course). One two-hour session per week.
We typically offer two levels of sign language courses:
Level One
Signed English: large group class conducted in voice and sign language with a strong emphasis on expressive skills.
- Approximately 500 word basic vocabulary
- The manual alphabet
- Numbers 1-20
- Ability to read and fingerspell words up to 5 letters at a slow pace
- Ability to expressively communicate in sign language and fingerspelling a short story up to 5 sentences.
- Ability to obtain the main idea from a signed sequence of 3-4 sentences.
Level Two
Signed English: large group class conducted in voice and sign language with a strong emphasis on receptive skills.
- Approximately (additional) 500 word vocabulary
- Fluency with the manual alphabet
- Numbers 1-100
- Ability to fingerspell words comfortably
- Ability to expressively communicate a paragraph in sign language and fingerspelling
- Ability to obtain the main idea from a signed story and answer specific questions about the story
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level One or equivalent