Teacher endorsements

Doreen Sheerin and Emma Skene, teachers from Dunbar Primary School in Scotland took part in the pilot testing of Farmer Duck with children in the nursery and P1 stage.

Red speech bubble“Signed Stories is a fantastic resource for young children in school. The interpreter's actions were clear and all children independently began to copy the sign ‘Quack’.

Red speech bubble“Within P1 and nursery classes there are some children with deaf parents. They rarely discuss or show the ability to use sign language. After watching Farmer Duck, the signed story, much discussion occurred about sign language and some children began to proudly discuss ‘my daddy can do sign language’. One child stood up in front of the class and showed the children how to count to ten using sign language.

Red speech bubble“Signed Stories supports the Curriculum for Excellence as it encourages all children to become:

  • Successful learners, by learning a new skills and giving the children the opportunity to learn independently and as part of a group.
  • Confident individuals, enabling children to discuss with confidence their life experience and to be confident enough to demonstrate their skills.
  • Responsible citizens, teaching children to respect others and to develop knowledge and understanding of the world.
  • Effective contributors, teaching children to learn to communicate in different ways and in a different setting.”

Children’s comments:

Blue speech bubble“I can count to ten using sign language, want me to show you?”
Blue speech bubble“Look, I can talk and not move my lips!”
And the children and teachers of Northern Counties School in Newcastle upon Tyne use Signed Stories regularly in class:
Green speech bubble"Learning with and through sign language is the educational aspiration of many deaf communities and therefore Signed Stories encourages and promotes independent reading. In time, a deaf child will develop confidence and enthusiasm in reading." Christine Dewhurst, deaf teacher, Northern Counties School at the Percy Hedley Foundation.
Green speech bubble“This is a website that has a very good potential to make education fun in both school and at home. It can be used at home with deaf children and their siblings as a family educational activity." Mandy Davison, Communication Support Worker.


Words of Wisdom  
“Signed Stories…an important and timely project which has the potential to change lives.”
Michael Rosen, Children’s Laureate 2008

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