Exploring Basic Signs

Overview

This 20-minute lesson introduces 28 students (aged 9-11, Key Stage 2) to British Sign Language (BSL), fostering early communication skills and cultural awareness. It aligns with the English National Curriculum's Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) statutory requirements for primary schools, particularly those emphasising communication skills, understanding cultural diversity, and building confidence through practical language use.

Curriculum Links

• National Curriculum – Languages Key Stage 2 (English)
  • Engage in conversations, express opinions and respond to those of others
  • Understand basic phrases and instructions
  • Appreciate different ways of communication, including sign language
• SEND and Inclusion Frameworks
  • Supports diverse communication needs and inclusivity
  • Promotes respect and awareness of deaf culture

Learning Intentions

• Recognise and perform basic British Sign Language greetings and introductions.
• Understand the importance of non-verbal communication and deaf culture.
• Develop communication confidence through kinaesthetic and visual learning.

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details & Resources	Differentiation
0-3 min	Introduction: Why Sign Language?	Brief discussion: What is sign language? Why is it important?	Use visual prompts (pictures of people signing), involve students needing speech support through gesture mimicry.
3-8 min	Demonstration & Imitation: Basic Signs	Teacher demonstrates five essential signs: Hello, Please, Thank You, Yes, No. Students watch and imitate. Resources: printed flashcards with signs and pictures, video clip showing native BSL users.	Pair stronger signers with learners who need more support. Use peer modelling.
8-13 min	Paired Practice: Signing Introductions	Student pairs practice signing "Hello, my name is ___". Encourage use of finger-spelling first letter of name. Resource: alphabet chart for finger-spelling.	Support lower ability pairs with step-bystep prompts on card. Challenge higher ability pairs to add one extra fact (e.g., favourite colour).
13-17 min	Group Activity: Sign and Guess Game	In groups of five, one signs a simple word (from the five learnt) and others guess. Rotate roles quickly for engagement.	Provide sentence frames for shy or struggling learners (e.g., "I think it is...").
17-20 min	Reflection & Next Steps	Whole-class discussion: How did it feel to use sign language? Why does it matter? Teacher shares ways students can practise (e.g., videos on BSL, links with deaf community events).	Visual prompt board for sentence starters ("I liked...", "I found it...") to support verbal reflection.

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Resources Needed

• BSL flashcards (Hello, Please, Thank You, Yes, No)
• Alphabet finger-spelling chart
• Video clip of native BSL users doing greetings
• Whiteboard or flipchart for new vocabulary and prompts

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Assessment for Learning (AfL)

• Formative: Observe students' ability to replicate signs accurately and confidence levels during paired practice.
• Self-assessment: At reflection, ask students to hold up a thumbs-up/down card indicating confidence with signs learnt.
• Peer feedback: During group game, encourage positive comments like “Well signed!” or “Try again!” to foster collaborative learning.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• PSHE: Empathy, respect, and inclusion of diverse communication needs.
• Drama: Use of non-verbal expression and body language.
• ICT: Use of media resources demonstrating sign language.

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Teacher Notes

• Prior to the lesson, review BSL signs to ensure accuracy and culturally respectful presentation.
• Emphasise signing as a language, not just a series of gestures, cultivating respect for deaf culture.
• Encourage calm and inclusive classroom environment, acknowledging varying student comfort levels with non-verbal communication.
• Consider inviting a guest speaker from the local deaf community for future lessons to deepen authenticity and engagement.

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This lesson plan is designed to create an engaging, interactive foundation in sign language that enhances communication confidence and cultural appreciation for young learners in UK primary settings.