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NZSL Basics Worksheet

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NZSL Basics Worksheet

New Zealand Sign Language – Year 6–7

Two hands signing in NZSL

🎯 Success Criteria

By the end of this lesson, I can:

 Perform accurate NZSL greetings (hello, thank you, yes, no, please)

 Sign a short phrase like "Hello, my name is ___"

 Explain why NZSL is important in Aotearoa New Zealand

 Show respect for NZSL users and Deaf culture

✋ Part 1: Basic NZSL Signs – What Do You Know?

Look at the signs below. Match each NZSL sign to its meaning by drawing a line.

💡 Tip for dyslexic learners: Ask your teacher or buddy to read these aloud with you!

👋 Wave hand side to side near face (Hello) - This sign is made by waving your dominant hand in front of your face, palm facing outwards.
🤲 Both hands open, move forward (Thank you) - This sign involves placing your fingertips on your chin and moving your hand outward, away from your face.
👍 Thumb up (Yes) - This sign is made by raising your thumb in a fist, indicating affirmation.
👎 Thumb down (No) - This sign is made by shaking your head while holding your thumb down in a fist.
🙏 Flat hand, tap chin forward (Please) - This sign is made by placing your flat hand on your chin and moving it forward slightly.
Hello
Thank you
Yes
No
Please
1. Which of these is an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand?

 American Sign Language (ASL)

 New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

 British Sign Language (BSL)

 Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

2. Why is it important to learn NZSL? Tick ALL that apply.

 It helps us communicate with Deaf and hard of hearing people

 It shows respect for Deaf culture and community

 It is a taonga (treasure) of Aotearoa

 It is only used in hospitals

🗣️ Part 2: Practise Signing a Phrase

Activity: Practise signing this sentence with a partner. Use the signs you have learned!

"Hello, my name is __________ . Thank you."

✅ Remember to use facial expressions and body language — these are an important part of NZSL!

3. Write your name in the blank above, then practise signing the full sentence with your partner. How did it feel to communicate without speaking?
4. Fill in the blanks using the words in the box:   (facial expressions  |  hands  |  official  |  Deaf)

NZSL uses __________ and __________ to communicate. It is an __________ language of New Zealand and is used by the __________ community.

5. ✏️ Draw or describe ONE NZSL sign you learned today. Show the hand shape and explain what it means.

This sign means: _______________________________

💭 Part 3: Reflection

Choose ONE way to share your reflection — write, draw, or bullet points. All are great!

6. Write OR draw one thing you learned about NZSL today.
7. How did it feel to try communicating using only signs (no speaking)?

 Easy and fun!

 Tricky but interesting

 Confusing at first

 I want to learn more!

8. Complete this sentence:

Learning NZSL made me think about ___________________________________________

because ___________________________________________________________________

⭐ Extension Activity (Advanced Learners)

Fingerspelling Challenge: Use the NZSL fingerspelling alphabet to spell out your first name. Write each letter and draw the hand shape next to it below.

Bonus: Can you learn to sign a full sentence like "My favourite colour is __________ "? Practise with a partner and perform it for the class!

🌟 Differentiation Reminders

🗣️ English Language Learners: Use the picture vocabulary cards. You can draw your answers instead of writing.

🧠 ADHD Learners: Take a movement break between sections. You can share your reflection verbally with your teacher.

📖 Dyslexic Learners: Ask your teacher to read questions aloud. Drawing your answers is always okay!

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