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By age 10, most children can follow five commands in a row. Children with a deficit in this area may try to cover it up with backtalk or clowning around and will rarely expose themselves to potential ridicule by asking for clarification. If a child has difficulty with verbal memory, building memory skills must come from a different avenue. As humans, we have three avenues to learning: verbally, kinesthetically, and visually. American Sign Language is both a visual and kinesthetic (movement) language. One must see another's movements and remember them to know how to respond in the conversation. Use of visual and kinesthetic avenues can help a non-verbal learner remember more.

Death, taxes, and puberty. You can't stop them. With puberty being the first hurdle to overcome, now is the time for your ten and eleven year old to take staying healthy seriously. Physical activity should be increased and become a regular part of your child's day in order to build a life long habit. Because American Sign Language is kinesthetic, it can help get kids moving just by talking. After all, if you are not moving, you are not signing.

Change is a'comin'

Your child is getting older and sees a larger picture now. This picture includes a view of a more adult world that they will clearly be joining in the near future. Painting a positive picture of adults at this time is important so that these children will welcome the changes that are just around the corner. The Signs of a Great Leader class focuses on famous deaf role models who had hardships, but succeeded in their endeavors regardless. Students learn that despite what you can or cannot do, what you have or lack, or what you do or do not look like, does not matter when proper leadership principles are applied. Success still happens.

If you are interested in the Signs of a Great Leader class for ten and eleven year olds or fifth and sixth graders click on CALENDAR to find available classes and registration information or email instructor@ASLasl.com .