Add some ASL to your springtime storytimes!

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! Discounted group rates and direct invoicing available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for details.

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

All upcoming webinars

FAQ: eCourses and Webinars

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Intermediate) starts in 1 week!

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. Discounted group rates and direct invoicing available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for details.

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

See all upcoming webinars open for registration.

FAQ: eCourses and Webinars

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

On the left, an illustration shows a white, blonde woman signing THANK-YOU in American Sign Language. On the right, a photo shows a white woman with glasses and light brown hair smiles into the camera. Text reads: Workshop: Serving Deaf Patrons in the Library with Kathy MacMillan. ALA Editions 2-part Webinar. Wed, March 22 & Thurs, March 23, 2023, 1:30-3 PM Central time. Register at tinyurl.com/servingdeaf

Serving Deaf Patrons in the Library
A two-part webinar series taking place on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23, 2023 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 Spring webinars and series for library staff!

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.

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.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-up-live-asl-practice-for-library-staff-beginner-registration-461172157337

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Review Series - 6 weeks (for those who have completed the Beginner & Intermediate Hands Up! series OR ALA ecourses): 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 | 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 (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)

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. 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

 

A colorful banner adorns the top of the page. At the bottom of the page, an illustration shows six people of different ages and races dancing in a line. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Summer Reading Special. Learn signs for storytimes about friends and togetherness! 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. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars.

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

Register now for ASL with Kids in Storytime or the Classroom eCourse

text appears against an orange flowered background and reads: American Sign Language with Children in Storytime or the Classroom. 6-week ecourse from ALA Editions. Begins February 27, 2023. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ASLinStorytime

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

Begins Monday, February 27, 2023 and continues for 6 weeks (Participants will have 12 weeks to complete course materials.) Hosted by ALA eLearning.

American Sign Language is most commonly used in storytimes for babies, but the applications can go much further. In this 6-week eCourse, programming expert and signing storyteller Kathy MacMillan explores the benefits of signing with all children. In addition to learning basic American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary appropriate for use with children in library and classroom settings, you will also learn techniques to share stories, songs, and other activities that incorporate ASL. The course will use readings, multimedia resources, online discussion boards, and customized video assignments to provide you with the tools to share ASL in an effective and respectful way in your programs. MacMillan provides you with a linguistic and cultural context to help make your programming more accessible.

More information and registration.


Past attendees say:

“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.”

Register now!

Online and In-person Storytimes This Week

Queens Public Library Online Storytimes:

Little Hands Signing: Feeling Sign Stories By Hand With Kathy MacMillan

Sing, sign, play, and learn basic American Sign Language! These fun, hands-on storytimes for the whole family are presented by Kathy MacMillan, author of “Nita’s First Signs” and “Little Hands & Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together.”

These storytimes will be streamed live at 12 PM each Thursday December 1- February 1 on Facebook and YouTube. We also invite you to join us at Astoria Library to watch the livestream with fellow library customers! Can’t watch live? Check out the recordings and sign and play anytime!

Join me this Thursday, February 2 at 12 PM Eastern for the debut of the final storytime in this series, “In My Community Signs” or check out the recordings of the past topics at the links below:

  • Friendship Signs
  • Family Signs
  • Celebration Signs
  • Giving Signs
  • Countdown to Fun (and New Year’s) Signs
  • People Signs
  • Sing and Dance Signs
  • Togetherness Signs
  • Manners Signs

Join on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QPLNYC

Join on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/QueensPublicLibrary

This program is funded by NYC Council Member Tiffany Cabán. Click here for more information. 


Text appears in black against a blue background with snowflakes: Little Hands Signing: Winter and Family Signs. Saturday, February 4 at 11 AM Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N. Virginia Ave. Falls Church, VA 22046

Little Hands Signing: Winter & Family Signs 

Saturday, February 4, 2023 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!

 

Register Now for Babies and Toddlers Professional Development Series

A Black baby wearing a yellow headband and a yellow and white onesie smiles at the viewer. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 3: Babies and Toddlers | 6-week webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Wednesdays, January 25 to March 1, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern. StoriesByHand.com/webinars

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

Learn and practice signs for library settings

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.

 

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.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-up-live-asl-practice-for-library-staff-beginner-registration-440678369867

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Review Series - 6 weeks (for those who have completed the Beginner & Intermediate Hands Up! series OR ALA ecourses): Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023, 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 | 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 (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.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/484377846177

 

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

 


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 releases today!

Releasing today from Hands Up Press:

Little Hands and Big Hands cover 2nd edLittle 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

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:

On the left appears the cover of Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition, by Kathy MacMillan, with photos by Kristin Brown. The book cover is green with pink and black lettering. A picture of a women and child signing BIRD in American Sign Language appears at the bottom of the cover. Additional text appears in black over a background of faint stars: Little Hands & Big Hands: Children & Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition. Online Book Launch Event with Kathy MacMillan. Sign, sing, read, and play together! For all ages. Thursday, January 12, 2023. 6:00 pm Mountain Standard Time. Hosted by Clearview Library District. Register at https://tinyurl.com/lhbhreg

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.

Add Some Winter Signs to Your Storytime Toolbox!

Two snowpeople smile at the viewer. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Winter Signs. Friday, January 13, 2023, 11 AM-12 Noon Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

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 through 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

 


 

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

FAQ: eCourses and Webinars