Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi everyone,

I have two children in my room (2-3 years) that use some AUSLAN to communicate. One is a young girl with Down's Syndrome, and the other a young girl with a speech delay/impediment. From the parents, and from staff who've worked with the children previously, I've learnt a few signs (toilet, stop, naughty, finished, etc) but I'd really like to learn more. I did an AUSLAN course a couple of years ago, but that was geared towards communicating with hearing impaired adults and fluency, whereas with the children it's almost all one word/one sign communications. Plus the vocabulary I need in childcare is much different from the vocabulary I'd use to communicate with adults!

Are there any courses that are designed for parents, teachers, childcare workers etc that focus on using AUSLAN with children? I feel like as good as a regular AUSLAN course is to do, it doesn't have the right focus for me and working with children. Any help is appreciated

(also, not sure if this is the right section for this topic... if not, sorry!)

Hi Megs_95

During my Cert 3 at Tafe my teacher organised what is called a Key Sign course. A lady came into to our Tafe to teach us. It went for one day and focused on using AUSLAN key signs in child care. I am not sure where to do this course but you could ask your local Tafe about it as I really enjoyed the course and it has been very useful.

Macoola

What about baby sign langauge? I think it may be part of Auslan just simplified for children... Youtube has rhymes and songs to teach using baby sign language.