Program Overview
Instructional Strategies to Enhance Literacy Outcomes Through Fingerspelling
We have developed an evidence based intervention called Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading, that is specifically designed for deaf and hard of hearing students from kindergarten through second grade. Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading is a literacy program that supplements a school’s literacy curriculum. There are two components to this program:
- The 3-day per week Fingerspelling program enhances phonological awareness of fingerspelled words, which increases expressive and receptive fingerspelling skills and identification of printed words.
- The complementary 2-day per week Reading Comprehension program provides additional reading opportunities using fingerspelling words in sentences and stories that are developed through each unit.
Fingerspelling
Each level is divided into 12 units with each unit consisting of six 25-minute lessons. The first two lessons are focused on expressive and receptive fingerspelling and fingerspelling phonological awareness. Starting on the third lesson, fingerspelling of the target words is linked to print and analysis of the printed word. The final two lessons are focused on writing the target words and reading the target words in isolation and in connected text.
Day 1: Introduction to Target Words
- Introductory Video
- Fingerspelling Target Words
Day 2: Enhanced Semantic Meaning and Phonological Awareness
- ASL Story
- Fingerspelling Phonological Awareness
- Odd One Out
Day 3: Phonological Awareness and Linking Fingerspelling to Print
- Fingerspelling Blending Task
- Linking Fingerspelling to Print
- Reading Target Words
- Onset Rime Dice Game
Day 4: Writing, Spelling, & Fingerspelling
- Writing
- Spelling
- Receptive Fingerpselling
- Bingo
Day 5: Reading Connected Text
- Isolated Sentences
- Unit Story
- Comprehension Task
Day 6: Review and Assessment
- Bingo
- Go Fish
- Matching
- Assessment
Reading Comprehension
There are three different levels of the reading comprehension program: Entry Level, Level 1A, and Level 1B. These levels are aligned with the Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading levels and incorporate the fingerspelling target words from the corresponding level as well as words learned in previous levels. Each level follows a specific scope and sequence that develops reading vocabulary and English structures in a logical and sequential manner.
Remember
- Review of previously learned fingerspelling and reading vocabulary
- Review previously learned English structures
- Tailored to student’s needs
Learn
- Introduce new reading vocabulary, English structures
- Read sentences and a story applying new and previously learned vocabulary and structures
- Application of new concepts
Practice
- Student story booklets
- Practice activities
Levels
There are four levels of the fingerspelling program: Entry Level, Level 1A, Level 1B, and Level 2.
- The Entry Level addresses the kindergarten goals and objectives and is designed for kindergarten students or any student reading at kindergarten level or below.
- The first-grade goals and objectives apply to both the Level 1A and Level 1B.
- Level 1B was developed to offer a bridge into the Level 2 program.
- Level 2 is designed using the second-grade goals and objectives and incorporates more challenging words.
How to Receive Training and Materials
To implement this program at your school, you will start with a full-day training. The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, at Gallaudet University has assumed responsiblity for training and dissemination of the program. Following the training, you can purchase the program materials.
Contact the Clerc Center for more information about trainings and related costs.