Auslan Introduction

Year Level

Year 6

Lesson Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Unit Context

This is Lesson 1 of 3 in the unit "Exploring Auslan Sign Language" focusing on introducing students to Auslan, its cultural relevance, and foundational signs.

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Learning Area

Languages – Auslan

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Curriculum Alignment

This lesson aligns closely with the South Australian Curriculum for Auslan at Years 5 and 6, specifically:

• Content Descriptor:
  Students learn to locate and process information and ideas in signed, visual and multimodal texts, and respond in different ways to suit purpose (AC9L2AU6C03).
• Language use and structure:
  Introduce fingerspelling and lexical signs, and non-manual features (AC9L2AU6U03).
• Connection to culture and identity:
  Recognise behaviours, roles and responsibilities in the Deaf community and the significance of Auslan (AC9L1AU4U04).

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Learning Objectives (WALT - We Are Learning To)

• Understand the basics of Auslan.
• Explore the cultural significance of Auslan in the Deaf community.
• Learn and demonstrate at least five basic signs related to greetings and common phrases.

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Success Criteria

• Students can demonstrate five basic Auslan signs with correct handshape, movement, and facial expressions.
• Students can explain the meaning and cultural importance of these signs in simple terms.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual Supports: Use clear visual aids such as illustrated flashcards and videos demonstrating each sign.
• Support for Diverse Learners: Provide step-by-step sign instructions; offer peer modeling and one-on-one support where needed.
• Multisensory Learning: Use kinaesthetic activities by having students practise signs using their whole body and facial expressions.
• Simplify Language: Use simple, repeated instructions with visual cues.

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Extension for Advanced Learners

• Task them to research a famous Deaf individual or Auslan interpreter and prepare a brief presentation or poster about their contribution to the Deaf community or Auslan language.
• Encourage exploration of cultural aspects such as Deaf storytelling or Deaf humour.

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Resources

• Video clips introducing Auslan and Deaf culture (preferably Australian content).
• Flashcards with images and Auslan sign glosses for greetings and common phrases.
• Mirror or space for practising facial expressions and signs.
• Worksheet for students to match signs and meanings.
• Research materials or access to online databases for extension activity.

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity Description	Details and Teacher Notes
0-5m	Introduction and Engagement	- Briefly explain Auslan as the sign language of the Australian Deaf community. - Discuss the importance of learning Auslan to communicate and understand Deaf culture.
5-15m	Exploring Auslan History and Cultural Significance	- Show a short video introducing the history and role of Auslan in the Deaf community. - Highlight Deaf culture values, such as identity, community, and communication norms.
15-20m	Demonstrate Basic Signs	- Teacher demonstrates five basic greeting signs (e.g., Hello, Thank you, Please, Sorry, Goodbye). - Include facial expressions and non-manual signals.
20-30m	Student Practice and Peer Modeling	- Students practice each sign with a partner. - Use mirrors or peer feedback focusing on handshape, movement, and facial expressions. - Teacher circulates to support and correct.
30-35m	Interactive Game: Sign Matching / Simon Says	- Game designed to reinforce the five signs learned. - Use a fun and interactive approach to build confidence in sign recall.
35-40m	Group Discussion: Cultural Importance	- Facilitate a class discussion: Why is Auslan important? How does it help the Deaf community? - Link to concepts from video and teacher input.
40-45m	Reflection and Extension Task Intro	- Students express one new learning from the lesson. - Introduce the extension task for advanced learners to research and present on an important Deaf person or Auslan interpreter. - Provide materials or guidance for the next lessons.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observe students’ ability to perform the five signs correctly during practice and the game.
• Oral/written check: Students explain the meaning of each sign verbally or in writing at lesson end.
• Extension: Evaluate research presentation or poster in subsequent lessons for deeper understanding.

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Teacher's Notes

• Maintain a positive, encouraging atmosphere to build student confidence in a new language mode.
• Use consistent Auslan terminology (sign name, fingerspelling, non-manual features).
• Reinforce cultural respect by acknowledging the Deaf community’s ownership and pride in Auslan.
• Link signs contextually to real-life situations students might encounter.
• Incorporate classroom technology such as tablets or interactive whiteboards for video display.

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This lesson plan embraces multimodal learning and cultural responsiveness, as required by the South Australian Curriculum framework for Auslan in Years 5 and 6.