Sign, Baby, Sign!

we engage with the world around us. B In recent years, many American schools have begun to recognize American Sign Language (ASL) as a valid foreign language credit, just like Spanish or French. This change has opened the door for hearing students to choose ASL as an academic subject, which not only gives them a practical skill but also increases their awareness of and empathy toward the Deaf community. Some educators believe this early exposure may even influence students to pursue careers in special education, speech therapy, or interpreting. C One clear benefit of learning ASL for hearing children is the opportunity for broader social interaction. Children who understand ASL can communicate with deaf peers, making their social circles more inclusive. Additionally, they may find it easier to express complex ideas or emotions non-verbally, which is helpful in noisy environments or when verbal speech isn't possible.