Basic Signs Practice

Unit: Exploring Auslan and Deaf Culture

Lesson 2 of 30

Duration: 45 minutes

Class Size: 6 students

Year Level: Year 1 (Ages ~6-7)

Subject: Languages (Auslan)

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Learn and practise common Auslan greetings and polite expressions.
• Understand the importance of facial expressions and non-manual features (NMFs) in Auslan communication.
• Use correct manners when signing greetings.

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Victorian Curriculum Links

Auslan Year 1-2 Content Descriptions (AC9L1AU2C04 - Recognise language that carries cultural meaning in everyday social interactions):

• Recognise language that carries cultural meaning in everyday social interactions, such as greetings, manners and polite expressions in Auslan.
• Understand how non-manual features like facial expressions are part of the language and contribute to meaning.
• Begin translating simple Auslan signs (greetings and manners) into English and vice versa.
• Explore how Auslan differs from English in expressing these social forms.

【11:AC9L1AU2C04.md†AC9L1AU2C04】

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Success Criteria

• I can use Auslan signs for ‘hello,’ ‘thank you,’ ‘please,’ and ‘goodbye’ correctly.
• I can show appropriate facial expressions that match the greeting or polite expression.
• I can recognise when others use greetings and polite expressions and respond with Auslan signs.
• I understand that my face helps show how I am feeling when I use Auslan.

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Description	Resources	Differentiation Strategies
0-5 mins	Welcome & Introduction	Introduce the lesson's WALT, explain that Auslan uses signs and facial expressions for greetings and manners. Show pictures of happy/sad faces to warm up on facial expressions (NMFs).	Whiteboard, facial expression flashcards	Use realia and visuals for EAL/D and learners needing support. Use simple vocabulary.
5-15 mins	Demonstration: Basic Signs	Teacher models basic Auslan greetings: Hello (open hand near forehead), Goodbye (wave), Please (flat hand rub on chest), Thank you (fingers from chin outward). Emphasise facial expressions (smiling, polite). Use video clips or live demonstration.	Auslan video clips or live demonstration	Repeat signs slowly and clearly. Use hand-over-hand guidance for kinesthetic learners and those needing fine motor support.
15-25 mins	Guided Practice: Pair Work	Students pair up and practise the greetings and manners. Teacher circulates giving feedback, focusing on use of facial expressions and sign clarity.	Flashcards with signs and English words	Pair students heterogeneously to support peer learning. Provide extra verbal prompts for learners who need encouragement.
25-35 mins	Game: Greeting Circle	In a circle, one student signs a greeting or polite phrase to their neighbour, who responds appropriately. Include non-manual features (smiling, polite facial). Rotate so all students participate.	None	Simplify game rules if needed, allow students to take turns with familiar partners first. Use visual encouragement (smiley stickers).
35-40 mins	Reflection and Discussion	Gather students to share how it felt to use Auslan greetings. Discuss why facial expressions are important when signing. Use simple questions.	Whiteboard	Encourage all to contribute, use sentence starters: “I liked...”, “My face showed...”. Offer sentence strips to dyslexic learners.
40-45 mins	Assessment & Wrap Up	Informal assessment: Teacher asks students individually to show a greeting with matching facial expression. Praise all efforts. Recap the WALT.	None	Provide positive reinforcement, allow retakes without pressure to support confidence. Use clear visual praise cues for all learners.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For diverse learners: Use multi-sensory teaching: visual signs, expressions, and touch cues; reduce linguistic complexity; pair weaker with stronger signers.
• For learners with additional needs (e.g., motor difficulties): Provide hand-over-hand assistance, allow signs to be exaggerated.
• For EAL/D learners: Use visuals, label classroom objects with pictures and Auslan signs; scaffold vocabulary with key words on flashcards; repeat and model signs multiple times.
• For dyslexic learners: Provide dyslexia-friendly printed card sets with large clear fonts and easy-to-follow images of the signs paired with words; avoid overwhelming text; use high-contrast colours.
• For advanced learners: Encourage them to create short dialogues or role-plays incorporating greetings and manners, adding some basic questions (e.g., "How are you?").

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Learn and perform an extended simple conversational exchange in Auslan, including polite responses like ‘Yes, please,’ ‘No, thank you.’
• Introduce sign names or personal identifiers from Deaf culture (age-appropriate).
• Create a simple illustrated Auslan mini-dictionary poster of greetings and manners for the classroom.

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Additional Notes

• Emphasise that Auslan is a visual language with unique grammar and that facial expressions (non-manual features) are not just emotions but part of the grammar.
• Sensitively introduce the cultural significance of Deaf Community norms and why polite greetings are important.
• Maintain a relaxed, playful tone; use role-play and games to keep engagement high for this age.

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This lesson plan aligns with the Victorian Curriculum focus on recognising language that carries cultural meaning in everyday social interactions and introduces fundamental Auslan communication skills appropriate for Year 1 learners, meeting the AC9L1AU2C04 standard【11:AC9L1AU2C04.md†Victorian Curriculum】.