Category Archives: Signing with Young Children

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

Posted on by
Reply
“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/ 

Upcoming Online Storytimes

Posted on by
Reply

A picture of 3 smiling children appears on the left. Text appears against a rainbow background on the right: Little Hands Signing with Kathy MacMillan. Hosted by Queens Public Library. Facebook Live storytimes. Join at facebook.com/QPLNYC. All programs 11 AM Eastern. April 28: Feelings Signs. May 3: Food Signs. May 5: Clothing Signs. May 10: Weather Signs. May 12: Sing & Sign.

Little Hands Signing with Kathy MacMillan

Sing, sign, play, and learn basic American Sign Language in this fun, hands-on storytime for the whole family. Signing storyteller Kathy MacMillan is the author of the Little Hands Signing series and Little Hands & Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together. This program will be presented in spoken English with automatic captions for the live event and professional captions for the recordings, which will be available for 7 days.

All programs 11 AM Eastern

  • April 28: Feelings Signs
  • May 3: Food Signs
  • May 5: Clothing Signs
  • May 10: Weather Signs
  • May 12: Sing & Sign

Join the live storytimes at https://www.facebook.com/QPLNYC

Storytime at Snug Books this Saturday!

Posted on by
Reply

Text appears in black against a pink background: Storytime with Authors Tracy Gold & Kathy MacMillan. Saturday, March 5 at 10:30 AM. Snug Books, 4717 Harford Road, #1C, Baltimore, MD 21214. On the left appears a photo of Tracy C. Gold. She is a white woman with long wavy light brown hair. She is looking at the camera and smiling. Her left hand is at her chest and her right hand is crossed over her waist. On the right is a picture of Kathy MacMillan. She is a white woman with shoulder-length light-brown hair and glasses. She is smiling at the camera. Below them appear the covers of their books Everybody’s Sleepy But the Baby; Trick or Treat! Bugs to Eat!; Nita’s First Signs; Nita’s Day; The Runaway Shirt; and She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World.

Storytime with Tracy C. Gold and Kathy MacMillan

Saturday, March 5 at 10:30 AM

Snug Books, 4717 Harford Road, #1C, Baltimore, MD 21214

Join two local authors for a fun storytime–and learn a little American Sign Language, too! Kathy MacMillan is an American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and signing storyteller. Her picture books include The Little Hands Signing Series and The Runaway Shirt. Tracy C. Gold is an editor, mom, and geek about animals whose picture books include “Everyone’s Sleepy but the Baby” and “Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat.”

For all ages. More information at https://www.snugbooks.com/events

Add some springtime signs to your storytime toolbox!

Posted on by
Reply

Pink, yellow, and red flowers appear below the text: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Spring Signs. Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Spring Signs

Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM 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 spring storytimes. Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way. Includes 30 days of recording access. Certificate of completion available upon request with successful completion of post-test. Register now!

Pricing:

  • Individual: $40 (includes live webinar and recording access for 30 days after the live event)
  • Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for more information.
  • Optional Add-on: Individualized video feedback: $25. Submit a video (up to 10 min) demonstrating your planned signing activities for storytime and receive individualized feedback on sign choices, production, and more from Kathy MacMillan via return video within 14  days. Must be used within 6 months of purchase.

Register for the 2022 Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 1 Season Pass and save! You’ll get live webinar access to 6 theme-based webinars (including this one) PLUS extended recording access for the entire series through August 31, 2022. Season Pass is $200 per person and includes:

  • Winter Signs: Tuesday, January 4, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Lovey Dovey Signs: Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Spring Signs: Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Weather Signs: Thursday, April 7, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Ocean Signs: Thursday, May 5, 2022, 2-3 Eastern
  • Summer Signs: Thursday, June 2, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern

About the Instructor:

Kathy MacMillan is a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and storyteller. She is the author of the Little Hands Signing series from Familius Press, Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together (Huron Street Press) as well as many other books for children, teens, librarians, and educators.

Register now for Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Lovey Dovey Signs

Posted on by
Reply

Heart shaped cookies surround the text: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Lovey Dovey Signs. Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Lovey Dovey Signs

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM 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 love and friendship storytimes. Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way. Includes 30 days of recording access. Certificate of completion available upon request with successful completion of post-test.

Pricing:

  • Individual: $40 (includes live webinar and recording access for 30 days after the live event)
  • Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for more information.
  • Optional Add-on: Individualized video feedback: $25. Submit a video (up to 10 min) demonstrating your planned signing activities for storytime and receive individualized feedback on sign choices, production, and more from Kathy MacMillan via return video within 14  days. Must be used within 6 months of purchase.

Register for the 2022 Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 1 Season Pass and save! You’ll get live webinar access to 6 theme-based webinars (including this one) PLUS extended recording access for the entire series through August 31, 2022. Season Pass is $200 per person and includes:

  • Winter Signs: Tuesday, January 4, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Lovey Dovey Signs: Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Spring Signs: Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Weather Signs: Thursday, April 7, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Ocean Signs: Thursday, May 5, 2022, 2-3 Eastern
  • Summer Signs: Thursday, June 2, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern

About the Instructor:

Kathy MacMillan is a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and storyteller. She is the author of the Little Hands Signing series from Familius Press, Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together (Huron Street Press) as well as many other books for children, teens, librarians, and educators.

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

Posted on by
Reply

A little boy with olive skin and dark hair and eyes begins to sign PLEASE in American Sign Language. Text appears in white against a blue background and says: Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series Season Pass. 6 webinars presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. January - June 2022. Includes live webinars and recording access through 8/31/21. StoriesByHand.com/webinars

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 access to the 6 live webinars listed below, PLUS extended recording access for all webinars through August 31, 2022!

  • Winter Signs: Tuesday, January 4, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Lovey Dovey Signs: Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Spring Signs: Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Weather Signs: Thursday, April 7, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Ocean Signs (Summer Reading Special): Thursday, May 5, 2022, 2-3 Eastern
  • Summer Signs: Thursday, June 2, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern

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

Or register for individual webinars here.

Upcoming Webinars and Series from Stories By Hand

Posted on by
Reply

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Beginners: Fridays, February 18-March 25, 2022 from 1:30-2:30 PM Eastern/12:30-1:30 PM Central/11:30AM-12:30 PM Mountain/10:30-11:30 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 (Beginners)
Fridays, February 18-March 25, 2022  from 1:30-2:30 PM Eastern/12:30-1:30 PM Central/11:30AM-12:30 PM Mountain/10:30-11:30 AM Pacific

Learn and practice American Sign Language for library settings in this interactive series. Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through April 25, 2022. Individual:$240. Group rates available.

Register now! Get 20% off when you register by January 20 and enter promo code EARLYBIRD at the top of the ticket form!

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Intermediate: Tuesdays, April 19-May 24, 2022 from 2-3 PM Eastern/1-2 PM Central/12-1 PM Mountain/11AM-12 PM 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, April 19-May 24, 2022 from 2-3 PM Eastern/1-2 PM Central/12-1 PM Mountain/11AM-12 PM Pacific.

Practice and gain confidence in your American Sign Language skills for library settings in this interactive series. Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through June 24, 2022.
Individual:$240. Group rates available.

Register now!  Get 20% off when you register by January 20 and enter promo code EARLYBIRD at the top of the ticket form!

 

 

Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series

Learn vocabulary and techniques to help you respectfully incorporate American Sign Language into storytimes in these interactive theme-based sessions! Each webinar includes 30 days of recording access. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form!

Two snowpeople smile at the viewer. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Winter Signs. Tuesday, January 4, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Winter Signs: Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM Pacific. Individual:$40. Group rates available. Register now!

Heart shaped cookies surround the text: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Lovey Dovey Signs. Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Lovey Dovey Signs: Tuesday, February 1 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM Pacific. Individual:$40. Group rates available. Register now!

Pink, yellow, and red flowers appear below the text: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Spring Signs. Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Spring Signs: Tuesday, March 1 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM Pacific. Individual:$40. Group rates available. Register now!

A white boy with blond hair looks up at a picture of the sun while signing SUN in American Sign Language. A white woman with light brown hair and glasses looks up at a picture of snow while signing SNOW in American Sign Language. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development Webinar: Weather Signs. Thursday, April 7, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Weather Signs: Thursday, April 7 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM Pacific. Individual:$40. Group rates available. Register now!

Text appears in white against a background of blue jellyfish floating through green water: Little Hands Signing Professional Development Webinar: Ocean Signs. Thursday, May 5, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Ocean Signs: Thursday, May 5 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM Pacific. Individual:$40. Group rates available. Register now!

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. Thursday, June 2, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Summer Signs: Thursday, June 2 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM Pacific. Individual:$40. Group rates available. Register now!

A little boy with olive skin and dark hair and eyes begins to sign PLEASE in American Sign Language. Text appears in white against a blue background and says: Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series Season Pass. 6 webinars presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. January - June 2022. Includes live webinars and recording access through 8/31/21. StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series Season Pass: Includes live access for all 6 Little Hands Signing webinars above, PLUS extended recording access for all webinars through August 31, 2022. Individual: $200. Register now!

Register now for ASL ABCs: Food Signs Online!

Posted on by
Reply

A photo of a smiling white woman with glasses appears next to the covers of board books NITA'S FIRST SIGNS and NITA'S DAY. Text appears in black against a wooden tabletop with lemons, a lime, and purple grapes on the right hands side: ASL ABCs: Food Signs with Kathy MacMillan. Wednesday, November 10 at 10:30 AM Eastern. Hosted by Chesterfield County Public Library. for kids and families. Online via Zoom. Register at tinyurl.com/ASLABCsFood

ASL ABCs: Food Signs

hosted by Chesterfield County Public Library

Wednesday, November, 2021 10:30 AM Eastern

Sing, sign, read, and play together in this interactive online storytime for the whole family! Register at https://tinyurl.com/ASLABCsFood

Online via Zoom. Presented in spoken English with Zoom live captioning.

 

This Wednesday! ASL ABCs Online Storytime

Posted on by
Reply

A photo of a smiling white woman with glasses appears next to the covers of board books NITA'S FIRST SIGNS and NITA'S DAY. Text appears in black against a white background with colorful leaves hanging from the top: ASL ABCs: Autumn Signs. Wednesday, October 20 at 10:30 AM Eastern. Hosted by Chesterfield County Public Library. for kids and families Online via Zoom. Register at tinyurl.com/ASLABCsAutumn

ASL ABCs: Autumn Signs

hosted by Chesterfield County Public Library

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 10:30 AM Eastern

Sing, sign, read, and play together in this interactive online storytime for the whole family! Register at https://tinyurl.com/ASLABCsAutumn

Online via Zoom. Presented in spoken English with Zoom live captioning.

 

Hands-on feedback on your signing activities for storytime or the classroom!

Posted on by
Reply

Yellow and red leaves are scattered against a wooden background. Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Group Coaching Session | Put some ASL in your storytime toolbox! Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. Wednesday, September 15, 2021, 2:00-3:15 PM Eastern. Online via Zoom. Individuals: $40. Group rates available. StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Group Coaching Session

Wednesday, September 15, 2021, 2:00-3:15 PM Eastern/1:00-2:15 PM Central/12:00-1:15 PM Mountain/11:00AM-12:15PM Pacific. 1 hour and 15 minutes, Online via Zoom.

Here’s your chance to get live feedback on your storytime activities using American Sign Language! In this interactive small-group session, each participant will demonstrate a story, song, rhyme or other activity they plan to use with signs in storytime, and storyteller and nationally certified ASL interpreter Kathy MacMillan will give live feedback on vocabulary choices, sign production, presentation, and introducing ASL vocabulary in context. Expand your storytime toolbox with ideas from your peers and enhance your storytime confidence!

Each session is capped at 12 participants, so register now!

Pricing:

  • Individual: $40 (includes live webinar and recording access for 30 days after the live event)
  • Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Contact me for details.
  • Optional Add-on: Individualized video feedback: $25. Submit a video (up to 10 min) demonstrating your planned signing activities for storytime and receive individualized feedback on sign choices, production, and more from Kathy MacMillan via return video within 14  days. Must be used within 6 months of purchase.

Register for Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Group Coaching Session

About the Instructor:

Kathy MacMillan is a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and storyteller. She is the author of the Little Hands Signing series from Familius Press, Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together (Huron Street Press) as well as many other books for children, teens, librarians, and educators.

See all upcoming webinars.

Interested in a session just for your library? Find out more about booking a private webinar for your group here!