Register now for Winter/Spring webinars and series for library staff!

Posted on December 19, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Please feel free to share the information and coupon codes below with your colleagues! Discounted group rates and direct invoicing available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for details.

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Winter Signs (1 hour webinar)

Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11 AM Eastern/10 AM Central/9 AM Mountain/8 AM Pacific

Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access for though February 14, 2023.

Learn basic American Sign Language for winter storytimes in this interactive online session!

Individual: $40. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-winter-signs-registration-440674438107

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Beginner: Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner)

Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023, 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/9 AM-10 Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through March 29, 2023.

Learn and practice American Sign Language for library settings in this interactive series.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form. Group rates available.

Hands Up! Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Review Series)

Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023 from 2:30 PM-3:30 PM Eastern/ 1:30 PM-2:30 PM Central/ 12:30 PM-1:30 PM Mountain/11:30 AM-12:30 PM Pacific.

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week)

Review and practice your ASL for the library setting in these interactive sessions! This series will focus on review and deep practice of vocabulary and concepts introduced in the Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff Beginner and Intermediate series and in the ALA eCourse ASL for Library Staff, level 1. Recording access will be available through 30 days after the final session.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 3: Babies and Toddlers (6-webinar series)

Wednesdays, January 25 to March 1, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/10-11 AM Central/9-10 AM Mountain/8-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions though November 21, 2022.

Join us for weekly interactive workshops that teach basic American Sign Language vocabulary and demonstrate how to use the signs in storytime activities and the early childhood classroom. This series will focus on vocabulary and best practices for baby and toddler programs. Each session will focus on specific thematic vocabulary: Getting Started, Playtime Signs, Mealtime Signs, Diaper and Potty Signs, Safety Signs, Our Signing Day.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-series-3-babies-and-toddlers-registration-441335455227

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Intermediate: Tuesdays, March 21 to April 25, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Intermediate)

Tuesdays, March 21 to April 25, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through May 26, 2023.

Practice and gain confidence in your American Sign Language skills for library settings in this interactive series.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form. Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-up-live-asl-practice-for-library-staff-intermediate-registration-441394271147

Pink and white flowers appear above the text: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Spring Signs. Wednesday, March 29, 2023, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 11 AM-12 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Spring Signs (1 hour webinar)

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 11 AM Eastern/10 AM Central/9 AM Mountain/8 AM Pacific

Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access for though April 30, 2023.

Learn basic American Sign Language for spring storytimes in this interactive online session!

Individual: $40. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-spring-signs-registration-461545303427

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Beginner: Wednesdays, March 29-May 3, 2023 from 1 PM-2 PM Eastern/ 12 PM-1 PM Central/11 AM-12 PM Mountain/10 AM-11 AM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner)

Wednesdays, March 29-May 3, 2023 from 1 PM-2 PM Eastern/ 12 PM-1 PM Central/ 11 AM-12 PM Mountain/10 AM-11 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through June 4, 2023.

Learn and practice American Sign Language for library settings in this interactive series.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form. Group rates available.

Hands Up! Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Review Series)

Wednesdays, May 17-June 21, 2023, 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific. Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week)

Individual: $240. Save 20% with code READANDSIGN. Group rates available.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-up-live-asl-practice-for-library-staff-review-series-registration-486847412717

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Summer Reading Special (1 hour webinar)

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 12 PM -1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10 AM-11 AM Mountain/9 AM-10 AM Pacific.

Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access for though June 24, 2023.

In this interactive session, we’ll focus on basic ASL vocabulary for friends and togetherness, to go with the Collaborative Summer Library program theme, All Together Now: Todos Juntos Ahora.

Individual: $40. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code SUMMER at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-summer-reading-special-registration-461915841717

Illustrations of a sun, watermelon, beach ball, sunglasses, beach umbrella, and flip-flops appear against a green background. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development Webinar: Summer Signs. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Summer Signs (1 hour webinar)

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM Pacific Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access for 30 days.

Learn basic American Sign Language for summer storytimes in this interactive online session!

Individual: $40. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code SUMMER at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-summer-signs-registration-482665273827

For information about my eCourses through the American Library Association, see https://storiesbyhand.com/ecourses/

FAQ: eCourses and Webinars

Little Hands and Big Hands 2nd edition launching soon!

Posted on December 12, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Coming January 10, 2023 from Hands Up Press:

Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, second edition
by Kathy MacMillan
Photography by Kristin Brown

Research shows that using American Sign Language with young children can

reduce frustration for both caregiver and child
increase IQ
stimulate language learning
enhance bonding
raise a child’s self-esteem
improve everyday life and communication!

Little Hands & Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together offers solid background information on signing with children ages birth to six, along with hands-on games, fingerplays, songs, and more that caregivers, librarians, and educators can use to smooth transitions, calm a fussy child, or engage a stubborn one. Each activity is accompanied by photos of the relevant signs.

“Author and ASL educator Kathy MacMillan has brilliantly combined the world of ASL with early literacy activities…Explanations and research support are seamlessly woven into each activity…I highly recommend this resource to anyone working with children from birth to age six.” -Betsy Diamant-Cohen, creator of the award-winning Mother Goose on the Loose early literacy program

Pre-order now from the Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore (autographed copies that support a great cause!) | amazon.com | barnesandnoble.com | bookshop.org

Join me for an online book launch event for all ages:

Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition
Online Book Launch Event with Kathy MacMillan
Thursday, January 12, 2023
6:00 pm Mountain Standard Time
Hosted by Clearview Library District

Sign, sing, read, and play together in this online storytime for all ages! American Sign Language interpretation and automatic captioning will be provided.

Register now!

Autographed copies of the book may be purchased here, with all proceeds supporting Deaf Camps, Inc.’s scholarship program. To request personalization, email deafcampsinc@gmail.com.

ASL for Library Staff Level 1 eCourse Starts 1 Week From Today!

Posted on October 24, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Registration is now open for upcoming sessions of my popular eCourses through the American Library Association!

Purchase all 3 courses as a bundle and save!

All eCourses are asynchronous, meaning that you can work at your own pace, and use a combination of videos, readings, discussion forums, and interactive projects.

American Sign Language for Library Staff, Level 1

Asynchronous eCourse beginning Monday, January 24, 2022 (6 weeks of lessons; Participants will have a total of 12 weeks to complete course materials)
More information and registration

American Sign Language for Library Staff, Level 2

Asynchronous eCourse beginning Monday, March 21, 2022 (6 weeks of lessons; Participants will have a total of 12 weeks to complete course materials)
More information and registration.

American Sign Language for Children in Storytime or in the Classroom: A Practical Guide eCourse

Asynchronous eCourse beginning Monday, May 16, 2022 and continuing for 6 weeks (Participants will have 12 weeks to complete course materials.)
More information and registration.

Past attendees say:

“This course has been invaluable to me. I have spent countless hours reviewing all of the videos, re-reading the lessons, and just generally trying to absorb as much knowledge as I could. The instructor was a gem in the way that she provided comprehensive answers to questions, feedback, tips and resources.”

“While I had taken ASL many years ago, this class has expanded my vocabulary and boosted my confidence in my abilities. I think it helped that this class specifically addressed situations I might encounter here at work.”

“This class was interesting, informative, and entertaining. It opened my eyes to a variety of ideas and concepts that can only make me a better librarian as well as a better person. I thought things were well organized and presented in an ordered and logical fashion, each lesson building on the one before.”

“One of the most well-organized and rewarding professional development courses I’ve taken.”

“Kathy is an amazing instructor. She made learning online very easy and comfortable. She replied quickly when students had questions and she responded with feedback with videos to help sign better.”

“I am amazed. It couldn’t have gone better. I came away learning many signs I can use and gained some helpful information for my storytimes.”

“The instructor was phenomenal, and I am already incorporating coursework into everyday interactions in the library. Everything in the course is relevant and beneficial.”

Register now!

Registration open for popular ALA eCourses!

Posted on September 30, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Registration is now open for upcoming sessions of my popular eCourses through the American Library Association!

Purchase all 3 courses as a bundle and save!

All eCourses are asynchronous, meaning that you can work at your own pace, and use a combination of videos, readings, discussion forums, and interactive projects.

American Sign Language for Library Staff, Level 1

Asynchronous eCourse beginning Monday, January 24, 2022 (6 weeks of lessons; Participants will have a total of 12 weeks to complete course materials)
More information and registration

American Sign Language for Library Staff, Level 2

Asynchronous eCourse beginning Monday, March 21, 2022 (6 weeks of lessons; Participants will have a total of 12 weeks to complete course materials)
More information and registration.

American Sign Language for Children in Storytime or in the Classroom: A Practical Guide eCourse

Asynchronous eCourse beginning Monday, May 16, 2022 and continuing for 6 weeks (Participants will have 12 weeks to complete course materials.)
More information and registration.

Past attendees say:

“One of the most well-organized and rewarding professional development courses I’ve taken.”

“I am amazed. It couldn’t have gone better. I came away learning many signs I can use and gained some helpful information for my storytimes.”

“The instructor was phenomenal, and I am already incorporating coursework into everyday interactions in the library. Everything in the course is relevant and beneficial.”

Register now!

Fall Webinar Series Start 1 Week From Today! Register Now!

Posted on September 8, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner)
Thursdays, September 15-October 20, 2022 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week)

Learn how to improve your service to deaf patrons in this interactive series. We’ll cover basic information about American Sign Language and Deaf Culture, as well as specific vocabulary for the library setting. Each session will build on those before it to reinforce your knowledge and expand your ability to communicate with members of the Deaf community, and you’ll get plenty of interactive signing practice! Recording access available through 30 days after the final session.
Individual: $240. Group rates available.

Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 1 (6-webinar series)

Thursdays, September 15-October 20, 2022 from 2-3 PM Eastern/1-2 PM Central/12-1 PM Mountain/11AM-12 PM Pacific
6 sessions, online via Zoom

Add some American Sign Language to your storytime toolbox! In this interactive series, we’ll focus on basic ASL vocabulary for summer storytimes. Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way. Includes 30 days of recording access.

Topics:

September 15: First Signs
September 22: Colors Signs
September 29: Family Signs
October 6: Food Signs
October 13: Feelings Signs
October 20: Animal Signs

Individual: $240. Group rates available.

Register now! Save 20% with coupon code AUTUMN.

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Intermediate)
Thursdays, November 3- December 15 (No class on November 24) from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week)

Practice your ASL for the library setting in these interactive sessions! This series is appropriate for those who have taken Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner), or the ASL for Library Staff eCourses through the American Library Association, or anyone who already knows some library vocabulary in ASL and wishes to polish their skills. Join us to reinforce your library signing skills and increase your confidence in your ability to communicate with members of the Deaf community. Recording access will be available through 30 days after the final session.
Individual: $240. Group rates available.

2-part webinar from ALA: Serving Deaf Patrons in the Library

Posted on August 30, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Serving Deaf Patrons in the Library
A two-part webinar series taking place on Wednesdays, September 7 and 14, 2022 at 2:30pm Eastern/1:30pm Central/12:30pm Mountain/11:30am Pacific.

Library services are for everyone, and that includes the deaf community. In this workshop, Kathy MacMillan, librarian and certified American Sign Language interpreter, guides you in making your library a more welcoming place for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. You will gain an understanding of Deaf culture, learn library-related signs, and become prepared to confidently work with interpreters for your programs.

After participating in this workshop, you will have:

An understanding of how to meet your library’s legal obligation to serve deaf and hard of hearing patrons
Strategies for communicating with a deaf or hard of hearing person in the library
Video demonstrations and handouts for library-related signs, accessible for practice after the workshop
Tips for finding, hiring, and working with sign language interpreters
Knowledge of varieties of communication among deaf and hard of hearing people

Kathy MacMillan (she/her) is a writer, nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and signing storyteller. She has worked in school and public libraries for over 25 years. She writes fiction and nonfiction for children, teens, and adults, including the Little Hands Signing series from Familius Press and the Storytime Magic series from ALA Editions. She lives in Baltimore, MD. Find her online at KathyMacMillan.com or on Twitter and Instagram at @kathys_quill.

Register now!

Register Now for Autumn Little Hands Signing Professional Development Workshops

Posted on August 17, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Little Hands Signing Professional Development Webinar: Autumn Signs

Friday, September 9, 2022
11 AM-12 PM Eastern/10AM-11 AM Central/9 AM-10AM Mountain/8AM-9AM Pacific
1 hour, Online via Zoom

Add some American Sign Language to your storytime toolbox! In this interactive session, we’ll focus on basic ASL vocabulary for autumn sights and activities. Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way. Recording will be available for 30 days.
Individual: $40. Group rates available.

Register now! Save 20% with coupon code AUTUMN.

Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 1 (6-webinar series)

Thursdays, September 15-October 20, 2022 from 2-3 PM Eastern/1-2 PM Central/12-1 PM Mountain/11AM-12 PM Pacific
6 sessions, online via Zoom

Topics:

September 15: First Signs
September 22: Colors Signs
September 29: Family Signs
October 6: Food Signs
October 13: Feelings Signs
October 20: Animal Signs

Individual: $240. Group rates available.

Register now! Save 20% with coupon code AUTUMN.

Register now for Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff

Posted on August 15, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner)
Thursdays, September 15-October 20, 2022 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week)

Little Hands Signing Professional Development on demand

Posted on June 3, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series Season Pass

Add some American Sign Language to your storytime toolbox! Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way.

Your Season Pass registration includes on-demand recording access to all 6 webinars through August 31, 2022!

Winter Signs
Lovey Dovey Signs
Spring Signs
Weather Signs
Ocean Signs (Summer Reading Special)
Summer Signs

Register now for the Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series Season Pass

Or register for upcoming webinars here.

Register now for Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Summer Signs

Posted on May 24, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Add some American Sign Language to your storytime toolbox! In these interactive sessions, we’ll focus on basic ASL vocabulary for storytimes. Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way. Registration includes 30 days of recording access. Individual: $40 per webinar. Group rates available.

Little Hands Signing Professional Development Webinar: Summer Signs: Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 2-3 PM Eastern/1-2 PM Central/12-1 PM Mountain/11 AM-12PM Pacific. Register now.

Register for the 2022 Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 1 Season Pass and save! You’ll get live webinar access to this webinar PLUS extended recording access for the entire series through August 31, 2022. Season Pass is $200 per person and includes:

Winter Signs
Lovey Dovey Signs
Spring Signs
Weather Signs
Ocean Signs
Summer Signs

Register for the 2022 Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 1 Season Pass here.

Stories by Hand

American Sign Language fun for everyone!

Category Archives: Online courses and workshops

Register now for Winter/Spring webinars and series for library staff!

Little Hands and Big Hands 2nd edition launching soon!

Coming January 10, 2023 from Hands Up Press:

Join me for an online book launch event for all ages:

Register now!

ASL for Library Staff Level 1 eCourse Starts 1 Week From Today!

American Sign Language for Library Staff, Level 1

American Sign Language for Library Staff, Level 2

American Sign Language for Children in Storytime or in the Classroom: A Practical Guide eCourse

Registration open for popular ALA eCourses!

American Sign Language for Library Staff, Level 1

American Sign Language for Library Staff, Level 2

American Sign Language for Children in Storytime or in the Classroom: A Practical Guide eCourse

Fall Webinar Series Start 1 Week From Today! Register Now!

2-part webinar from ALA: Serving Deaf Patrons in the Library

Register Now for Autumn Little Hands Signing Professional Development Workshops

Register now for Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff

Little Hands Signing Professional Development on demand

Register now for Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Summer Signs