British Sign Language

Overview

Age Group: Year 10 (14-15 years)
Subject: Languages - British Sign Language (BSL)
GCSE Level: AQA GCSE equivalent
Curriculum Area: Spoken language and Communication skills

Objective

Students will learn to classify objects and concepts using British Sign Language (BSL) classifiers. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to use basic classifiers to describe objects and actions effectively.

Materials Needed

• Flashcards with common objects and concepts
• Video clips demonstrating BSL classifiers
• Whiteboard and markers
• Copies of the BSL alphabet and basic signs handout

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Greeting and Warm-up:
   Begin with a brief greeting in BSL to capture the students' attention. Encourage them to return the gesture.

2. Objective Overview:
   Explain the importance of classifiers in BSL, aligning with the curriculum aim to develop spoken language and communication skills.

Body (20 minutes)

1. Explanation and Examples (10 minutes):

   • Define Classifiers: Clarify the concept of classifiers as handshapes used in BSL to convey information about an object’s size, shape, or movement rather than directly representing the object.
   • Visual Demonstration: Use a short video (pre-recorded or animated) showing how various classifiers depict objects. Utilize common examples like vehicles, animals, and people.
   • Interactive Flashcards: Present flashcards of everyday objects. Students will attempt to indicate the appropriate classifier sign for each image.

2. Guided Practice (10 minutes):

   • Group Activity: Organize students into pairs. One student selects a flashcard and performs the appropriate classifier, while the other guesses the object or concept. Rotate roles.
   • Feedback Loop: Move around the classroom providing guidance and corrective feedback on handshapes and movements.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Review and Recap:
   Revisit the lesson’s objectives, summarizing the key points about classifiers. Emphasize their importance in context and meaning-making in BSL.

2. Quick Assessment:
   Conduct a rapid-fire round where each student demonstrates a classifier taught during the lesson. Provide instant feedback and ensure understanding.

3. Closing Gesture:
   End the lesson with a thank-you gesture in BSL, encouraging students to return it as their exit signal.

Differentiation

• For Advanced Learners: Provide challenges, such as using classifiers in complex sentences or storytelling.
• For Learners Needing Support: Offer additional visual aids or hand-over-hand guidance, being sensitive to individual comfort levels with tactile learning.

Extension Activity

For homework, students can watch a short BSL video at home (without translation) and note any classifiers they recognize in their journals, preparing to share insights in the next class.

This lesson plan complies with UK education standards, focusing on the development of communication skills through practical and engaging British Sign Language instruction.