ASL: A Storytelling Language

ASL Sign Language, Rhyming and Storytelling for Parent and Child with storyteller Mario Pizzacalla

Presented by East End Arts, an initiative of the Toronto Arts Foundation

In partnership with The DEAF CULTURE CENTRE, Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf

Dates and Times:

Thursdays at 2pm, 1 hour skill building classes

June 9, 16, 23, 30, and July 7, and 14, 2016

This summer, American Sign Language (ASL) for families is coming to Toronto’s East End!

Join nationally renowned ASL storyteller and language instructor Mario Pizzacalla for a 6-week program teaching basic communication skills for children to sign with their parents, along with rhythms, rhymes and stories. Each week, Mario will teach basic ASL signs for parent and child, encouraging early adoption of literacy and language acquisition. These classes are open to hearing, hard of hearing and Deaf families, interpreted by sociolinguist and educator Dr Anita Small.

This 6-week program is a beginner course, with no experience required. ASL storytelling is fully accessible to hearing and Deaf families alike. For those interested in baby sign, ASL rhymes teach your child basic communication skills, as well as introduce Deaf Arts to the family in a friendly and fun way. Intermediate and advanced classes may continue in the fall of 2016. Children age 3 months and up to 2 years are welcome to participate.

This program and its curriculum are based off of the national initiative and Trillium Foundation funded project “ASL Parent-Child Mother Goose Program: American Sign Language Rhymes, Rhythms, and Stories for Parents and Their Children”.

Spaces are limited, with room for up to 15 parent-child pairs.