CVHS spreads ASL to elementary schools

The American Sign Language program at CVHS led by teacher Amy Ryken teaches students a wide range of vocabulary using sign language. Students also learn about Deaf culture and community 

ASL students are taking what they have learned and teaching elementary school students how to sign. Every other week of this semester ASL 2, ASL 3, and Honors ASL students go to different elementary schools around Castro Valley, including Marshall and Proctor.

“ I like teaching them because they seem like they want to learn and it’s cool seeing them sign to each other knowing that I taught them that,” said ASL 2 student Elliot Lucas. 

During the block days these students will walk as a class over to these elementary schools. When they get there they break off into groups and go to different classrooms spanning different grade levels. 

Each time they go they focus on a different set of words and phrases. They start off by teaching them the signs for all the letters of the alphabet. Once the younger students got comfortable with letters, the high school students taught them how to fingerspell their names, and how to introduce themselves with phrases such as “hello my name is__” and “nice to meet you.” 

ASL students have progressed with elementary students throughout the weeks going through colors, foods, and animal signs as well. Although Nov. 8 was the official last day of the students teaching for the semester, they have made a positive impact in all of the classes that they taught in.

“I loved seeing my students inspired to learn a new language,” said Audreann Giovanetti, fourth grade teacher at Marshall.

These elementary students also made an impact on the older students from CVHS, teaching them how to apply what they have learned in their own class and teach ASL to a younger generation. 

“I liked doing it because it helps me remember what I have learned, and it helps kids learn sign language and become interested in it,” said ASL 2 student Hope Hudson.

These CVHS students have proudly taken on the opportunity to teach the younger generation a new language.