Little Hands Signing in Queen Anne’s County this November!

Posted on October 25, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Little Hands Signing Storytimes with Kathy MacMillan at Queen Anne’s County Library

For babies through age 5 with adult caregiver. Let’s sign together! Share stories, songs, and rhymes and learn basic American Sign Language to aid in everyday communication. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, author of Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together. This program has been funded by Friends of Queen Anne’s County Library.

Kent Island Branch: Tuesdays November 1-29 at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM.

Centreville Branch: Wednesdays, November 2-30 at 10:30 AM.

Click here for more information.

Sign and Shine This Weekend!

Posted on October 6, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Little Hands Signing: Fall & Halloween Signs (for all ages)

Saturday, October 8, 2002 at 11:00 am

Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046

Sing, sign, dance, and play with Kathy MacMillan, author of the Little Hands Signing series. Gather the whole family for the fun as we learn American Sign Language vocabulary through stories, songs, and more!

Sunday, October 9 from 11 AM-5 PM: Maryland Renaissance Festival: Visiting Author at Page After Page Bookstore

Come learn to write your name in the language of the gods and get your signed copy of Sword and Verse and Dagger and Coin! October 9 is one of two American Sign Language Interpretation Days at the festival, so I will also be signing Nita’s First Signs and Nita’s Day. Find me at the author tent across from Page After Page Bookstore (inside the festival village).

NOTE: Be sure to purchase your tickets to the festival online ahead of time at https://rennfest.com/

FREE Workshop for Licensed Childcare Providers

Posted on September 9, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Little Hands Signing in the Classroom: Childcare Provider Workshop

When: Saturday, September 17 – 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Where: Leonardtown Library, Leonardtown, MD
Age Group: Adult

Register here

Free workshop for licensed childcare providers. Learn how using sign language with children can improve vocabulary & comprehension, defuse difficult behavior, & support a variety of learning styles!

Learn the fascinating reasons behind how sign language supports language development & positive behavior, as well as strategies for incorporating signs into your curriculum and classroom management. You’ll leave with a basic vocabulary of signs and free materials to get you started. Please register. Childcare centers are limited to 3 registrations per center; additional staff will be placed on the wait list until September 10, then added as space allows.

This workshop provides 3 Core of Knowledge hours (1.5 Child Development, 1.5 Curriculum) and is sponsored by the St. Mary’s County Early Childhood Advisory Council. MSDE Office of Childcare approval number CWO-160785; course id SM-07292022-01.

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.

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.

Upcoming Programs for All Ages

Posted on August 2, 2022 by kathymacmillan

A photo of a smiling white woman with glasses appears on the left. She is signing FISH in American Sign Language and is surrounded by cartoon fish. Text appears in black against a blue background: Signs Under the Sea with Kathy MacMillan.

Dive into splashy stories, songs, and fun activities that explore the world of underwater animals through American Sign Language! For all ages. Click on the links below for more details.

Wednesday, August 10 at 11 AM: Claymont Public Library (Claymont, DE)

Wednesday, August 10 at 2 PM: Appoquinimink Community Library (Middletown, DE)

Wednesday, August 10 at 6:30 PM: Route 9 Library & Innovation Center (New Castle, DE)

Friday, August 12 at 10:30 AM: Rockville Memorial Library (Rockville, MD)

Saturday, August 13 at 2 PM: Baltimore County Public Library, Hereford Branch (Hereford, MD)

Tuesday, August 16 at 11 AM: High Point Public Library (High Point, NC)

Saturday, August 20 at 11 AM: Storytime with Kathy MacMillan at Writer’s Block Bookstore in Winter Garden, FL. We’ll sign, sign, play, and read together! For all ages. Writer’s Block – Winter Garden, 32 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

July Programs for Families

Posted on June 30, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Signs Under the Sea

Dive into splashy stories, songs, and fun activities that explore the world of underwater animals through American Sign Language! For all ages. Click on the links below for more details.

Tuesday, June 21 at 10:30 AM: Baltimore County Public Library, White Marsh Branch (White Marsh, MD)

Thursday, June 23 at 11 AM: Woodlawn Library (Wilmington, DE)

Saturday, July 2 at 10:30 AM: Baltimore County Public Library, Rosedale Branch (Rosedale, MD)

Monday, July 11 at 11 AM: Delmar Public Library (Delmar, DE)

Monday, July 11 at 2 PM: South Coastal Library (Bethany Beach, DE)

Friday, July 15 at 10:30 AM: Baltimore County Public Library, Towson Branch (Towson, MD)

Meet the Author: Kathy MacMillan
Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 6-8 PM
Bethany Beach Books, 99 Garfield Pkw, Bethany Beach DE 19930

Sing, sign, read, and play with Kathy MacMillan, author of THE RUNAWAY SHIRT and other picture book favorites.

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.

Join me for Storytime this Saturday at the Ivy Bookshop!

Posted on May 19, 2022 by kathymacmillan

Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 2:30 PM at The Ivy Bookshop, 5928 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209 Join me for storytime on The Ivy’s back patio for the whole family. We’ll sign, sign, play, and read together as I share The Runaway Shirt, Nita’s First Signs, Nita’s Day, and She Spoke. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided by practicum students from the Community College of Baltimore County Interpreter Preparation Program.

Recommended Viewing (and program!): “Calvin Can’t Fly: An ASL Storybook”

Posted on May 13, 2022 by kathymacmillan

“Calvin Can’t Fly: An ASL Storybook” is a new, innovative film presented in American Sign Language by Crom Saunders, animation, enhanced text, music and narrated English. The 25-minute video is based on the book about a little bird who can’t fly because he spends all his time reading and dreaming. Though his differences set him apart, his knowledge ultimately saves his flock from disaster.

Director Sarah Michaelson wanted to create something where everyone can share this heartwarming story in the same space no matter their background, ability, or learning style. The screening event is perfect for Deaf and hearing audiences, students of sign language, and young readers who benefit from experiencing stories in a visceral way.

After a successful premiere last fall, the Calvin team is now focused on bringing more interactive events to libraries, school groups, and organizations around the country. Find out more, see video samples, and learn how to request a screening for your organization at https://calvinaslstorybook.com/

Stories by Hand

American Sign Language fun for everyone!

Category Archives: Signing with Young Children

Little Hands Signing in Queen Anne’s County this November!

Sign and Shine This Weekend!

FREE Workshop for Licensed Childcare Providers

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

Register Now for Autumn Little Hands Signing Professional Development Workshops

Upcoming Programs for All Ages

July Programs for Families

Signs Under the Sea

Little Hands Signing Professional Development on demand

Join me for Storytime this Saturday at the Ivy Bookshop!

Recommended Viewing (and program!): “Calvin Can’t Fly: An ASL Storybook”