Depicting Signs Exploration

Lesson Overview

A 30-minute dynamic Auslan lesson for Years 4-6 focused on understanding and practising depicting signs (DSs), aligned specifically with the Queensland Curriculum content descriptor AC9L2AU6C05: Create and present signed, visual and multimodal texts using fingerspelling, lexical signs, depicting signs, NMFs and signing space appropriate to text type .

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Curriculum Alignment

• Content Description: AC9L2AU6C05
  Create and present a range of informative and imaginative signed, visual and multimodal texts using a variety of modelled structures and fingerspelling (FS), lexical signs, depicting signs (DSs), non-manual features (NMFs) and signing space, appropriate to text type.
• General Capabilities: Literacy, Intercultural Understanding, Critical and Creative Thinking
• Cross Curriculum Priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (through connection and respect for diverse ways of communication)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Confidently recite the Auslan alphabet through an engaging peer-led activity.
2. Understand the concept and functions of depicting signs in Auslan as explained via a teacher-led presentation.
3. Creatively design and present their own depicting signs in small groups using role play and imagination.
4. Reflect on the use of depicting signs as an expressive tool in Auslan communication.

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Materials

• Auslan alphabet chart (printable and/or displayed via projector)
• PowerPoint presentation on depicting signs (teacher-prepared with images and example videos)
• Whiteboard and markers
• A4 paper and marker pens for groups
• Video recording device (optional for recording group presentations)
• Name tags for group roles (e.g., Presenter, Recorder)

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Lesson Structure and Timing

1. Introduction: Auslan Alphabet Relay (5 minutes)

• Activity: Students take turns to run through the Auslan alphabet. Divide the class into two groups; each student signs one letter sequentially.
• Purpose: Warm-up, reinforce fingerspelling knowledge and encourage student participation.
• Teacher Role: Facilitate, prompt students, and monitor clarity and accuracy.

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2. Teacher-Led Presentation: Understanding Depicting Signs (10 minutes)

• Content:
  • What are depicting signs?
  • Examples highlighting physical actions, sizes, shapes or movements.
  • How depicting signs differ from lexical signs and fingerspelling.
  • The use of space, handshape, and non-manual features to convey meaning vividly.
• Method: Use PowerPoint slides with images and short videos demonstrating depicting signs.
• Interaction: Pause periodically to check understanding, ask questions, and demonstrate signs interactively.

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3. Group Activity: Create and Present Depicting Signs (12 minutes)

• Grouping: 5 groups of 5 students
• Task: Each group invents a short scenario (e.g., describing an animal, a vehicle moving, or a playground game) and creates appropriate depicting signs to enact it.
• Preparation: Students sketch or note ideas on paper; rehearse their signs.
• Presentation: Each group presents their depicting signs to the class for 1-2 minutes.
• Teacher Role: Support groups, encourage use of space and non-manual features, and facilitate smooth transitions.

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4. Reflection and Assessment (3 minutes)

• Prompt Questions:
  • How did depicting signs help you describe your story or object?
  • What was fun or challenging about creating your own depicting signs?
  • How do depicting signs make Auslan more expressive than just fingerspelling or lexical signs?
• Assessment:
  • Observe group presentations for use of depicting signs principles (handshape, movement, use of space, NMFs).
  • Use a simple checklist: Clarity, creativity, use of depicting signs, group cooperation.
  • Informal verbal feedback and encouragement provided.

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Teacher Notes

• Encourage students to exaggerate movements and expressions to highlight meaning through visual language, central in Auslan.
• Be mindful of students who may need extra support with manual dexterity or confidence in signing.
• If time permits, record presentations to share with parents or for students’ self-review.
• Reinforce that depicting signs are a core, culturally rich part of Auslan storytelling and communication .

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Extensions and Adaptations

• For students with additional needs, provide predefined depicting signs and roles focusing on non-manual features or sign space management.
• Advanced groups can experiment with role shifting and constructed action (CA) in their presentations.
• Integrate First Nations cultural concepts by linking depicting signs to stories, as appropriate.

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This lesson plan combines interactive, visual, and creative approaches consistent with Queensland Curriculum standards to engage Years 4–6 students in authentic Auslan use, enhancing both linguistic and cultural understanding.