Signing

Who

A group of 6 to 20 people, teens and adults

Where

Any type of space

DURATION

3 hours, depending on the group

MATERIALS

Print out approximately ten different signs: hello, thank you, how are you?, OK, I’m tired, I’m in pain, I’m taking a break, etc.

EXERCISE DESCRIPTION

As a group

• prepare and hang the printed signs in the space; introduce International Sign Language (or the sign language local to your region) by signing the alphabet, spelling your first name, learning different signs
• guided by a singer-signer, sign a simple song or poem to music

Individually

• Spell out your first name using sign language, and then transpose it into a physical, juggled, or acrobatic choreography; present it to the group.

These exercises allow you to work on other forms of group communication, including exploration using non-verbal and visual communication.