Signing Shrubbery School pupils have been taught a handy new skill – by learning sign language.
Pupils at the Shrubbery School, in Walmley Ash Road, began learning the valuable skill during lockdown, but have carried on with a weekly after-school club.
Year Two teacher Debbie Whelan, who has been leading the project, said: “The children absolutely love learning sign language, and have really taken to it.
“We have tried to include it in lots of activities at the school – they have incorporated sign language into songs in the Christmas show and it was a big part of our Mental Health Day project last month.
“The children have all been taught basic greetings in sign language, as well as how to finger spell – which means that they can say anything they want to.”
Signing Shrubbery School pupils serenade MP
Last month the entire school serenaded Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell with a sign language song, when he opened the newly refurbished Rankin House.
Mrs Whelan said: “It’s wonderful to hear the children singing while they are signing the lyrics too.
“One grandparent told us recently that they had gone somewhere where there was a deaf child and they were amazed when their granddaughter went to have a conversation with them – it’s a genuine life skill.”
Shrubbery headteacher Amanda Lees said: “We think it’s so important that students develop new skills in fun ways, and sign language is something that they all really enjoy.”
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“We think it’s so important that students develop new skills in fun ways, and sign language is something that they all really enjoy,”
– headteacher amanda lees