Usign - NZ

During my visit to Feilding, I was invited to attend a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) class taught by Jackie Davidson, a highly experienced teacher, at the recently renovated Feilding Library. Jackie gave me a tour of the library's new facilities.

With over 30 years of teaching experience, Jackie focuses on teaching NZ Sign Language to the public, as well as to educational, and families.

She has been a role model for both me and my Deaf sister since we were younger, particularly during our involvement with the Manawatu Deaf Association for Deaf Children. Back then, my father was a vice president, and my mother was a committee member.

It is important for young Deaf children to have Deaf adults as role model.

As a mark of respect, I attend the ANZAC Day dawn service each year to commemorate the courageous soldiers who participated in the World Wars.

I baked some ANZAC biscuits.

Anzac Day Crochet Button Poppy, made by Miiria Storey

There are some information in the photos once when you click.

Pin included and order welcome.

Contact her in private messenger refer Facebook Marketplace.

Refer Facebook marketplace "Anzac Day Crochet Poppy" you can search keyword to pop up.

Pay cash & pick up can be arranged.

Postage extra (NZ only)

Congratulations to the wonderful group in Level 3A Advanced on Tuesday night. They are doing brilliantly, and it's great to see them starting to sign fluently. I also want to congratulate a few others who missed our final class.

Your e-certificates will be on their way to your email soon. Looking forward to seeing you for Level 3B soon.

On Tuesday evening, we invited three wonderful Deaf men Chris, Matt, and James, to meet with my Advanced Level 3a students.

I arranged for the students to be divided into three groups at each table. I allowed the Deaf men to introduce themselves and engage in 15-minute conversations in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), focusing on grammar before swapping groups with the other men.

Practicing conversations with Deaf visitors is incredibly helpful and builds the students' confidence. They picked cards placed face down, asked questions, and were reminded to use raised or lowered eyebrows for WH-questions or yes/no questions. If they encountered cards with question marks, they were encouraged to ask any questions they could think of.

We plan to organise more activities like this in the future. Afterward, we all enjoyed a delicious shared plate for the final evening.

Well done to everyone.

Kia ora everyone,

We are excited to announce the Level 1B Beginner Course, which is a follow-up to the NZSL Level 1A course. This course will take place over 7 weeks, starting on Thursday, May 1st. Additionally, the Level 1C course will be held on Wednesday, April 30th.

This is the perfect opportunity to learn New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) in time for NZ Sign Language Week, which is happening in May.

If you would like more information or want to explore further details, please visit www.usign.co.nz.

Don't miss out on the chance to learn NZSL in Level 1B Beginner for Term 2, 2025.
Registration is now open, but spaces are filling up fast for the last course before NZ Sign Language Week is coming in May. "It's time to head out and start learning New Zealand Sign Language! Let's do it!"

The New Zealand Sign Language Level 1B is a follow up course to NZ Level 1A with certificates (approximately 12-14 hours of NZSL Tuition.

✍🏻 Sign up for in-person for Level 1B classes on Thursdays at Podium Lodge, Cambridge. Students prefer face-to-face learning and it's a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Topics: Family/Friends and Everyday Activities

📅 When: Thursday 1 May - 12 June 2025

Registration close: Two weeks before the start of each course, so you won't miss out on your secure space.

The total cost is $170.00, including GST, for 7 weeks.

LIMITED - 12 SPACES

💻 Offer online classes for one-on-one or small groups. Please stay tuned for updates on available space.

📱 If you're ready to take the next step, please text me at 0275377779 or email me at [email protected] or visit www.usign.co.nz

I'm excited to hear from you and help you achieve your goals!

See less

Don't miss out on the chance to learn NZSL in Level 1B Beginner for Term 2, 2025.
Registration is now open, but spaces are filling up fast for the last course before NZ Sign Language Week is coming in May. "It's time to head out and start learning New Zealand Sign Language! Let's do it!"

The New Zealand Sign Language Level 1B is a follow up course to NZ Level 1A with certificates (approximately 12-14 hours of NZSL Tuition.

✍🏻 Sign up for in-person for Level 1B classes on Thursdays at Podium Lodge, Cambridge. Students prefer face-to-face learning and it's a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Topics: Family/Friends and Everyday Activities

📅 When: Thursday 1 May - 12 June 2025

Registration close: Two weeks before the start of each course, so you won't miss out on your secure space.

The total cost is $170.00, including GST, for 7 weeks.

LIMITED - 12 SPACES

💻 Offer online classes for one-on-one or small groups. Please stay tuned for updates on available space.

📱 If you're ready to take the next step, please text me at 0275377779 or email me at [email protected] or visit www.usign.co.nz

I'm excited to hear from you and help you achieve your goals!

See less

Don't miss out on the chance to learn NZSL in Level 1C Beginner for Term 2, 2025.
Registration is now open, but spaces are filling up fast for the last course before NZ Sign Language Week is coming in May. "It's time to head out and start learning New Zealand Sign Language! Let's do it!"

The New Zealand Sign Language Level 1C is a follow up course to NZ Level 1B with certificates (approximately 12-14 hours of NZSL Tuition.

✍🏻 Sign up for in-person for Level 1C classes on Wednesdays at Podium Lodge, Cambridge. Students prefer face-to-face learning and it's a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Topics: Small Talk and Work/Community

📅 When: Wednesday 30 April - 11 June - (7 weeks)

Registration close: Two weeks before the start of each course, so you won't miss out on your secure space.

The total cost is $170.00, including GST, for 7 weeks.

💻 Offer online classes for one-on-one or small groups. Please stay tuned for updates on available space.

📱 If you're ready to take the next step, please text me at 0275377779 or email me at [email protected] or visit www.usign.co.nz

I'm excited to hear from you and help you achieve your goals!

See less

The Waikato Deaf Society is organizing a FootGolf event on Sunday, April 13, at Gordonton, Hamilton.

If you're interested in joining, please contact James Howie at 021 914 993.

It's a great way to stay fit and fun.

Deaf community and NZSL students are welcome.

Cost$15.00 pp

Please note that there are only 10 spaces available.

I received texts from my NZSL students about sharing the link to an article about a Deaf teacher. I’m pleased with them sharing news with me.

Firstly, we would like to congratulate Phillip King, who is currently teaching in the mainstream. We also commend Oranga School for allowing him to teach, especially considering the existing barriers for Deaf teachers.

Deaf teachers are leaving and shifting their careers due to difficulties in obtaining employment in Deaf education and factors such as burnout and dissatisfaction with the current philosophy of Deaf education.

I hope to see more individuals like Phillip King. Access for Deaf children is important, and adequate resources are essential for their education.

They are intelligent, and we do not want their talent wasted due to the lack of qualified Deaf or hearing teachers fluent in NZSL. We strive for excellent education for Deaf students, especially if we find the right principal for Ko Taku Reo (KTR) soon.

New educators should familiarise themselves with Deaf Education, its values, and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) before engaging in this field. They must not depend on Deaf students for interpretation or instruction in sign language. Educators have the responsibility to provide a comprehensive education.

Deaf children need access to bilingual education for their identity and confidence.

I used to work with Phillip, who was an NZSL tutor at the time. He is also an excellent role model for both Deaf and hearing students.

Well done, Phillip!



https://www.facebook.com/share/16FExynC6j/?mibextid=wwXIfr

| King was born Deaf and uses New Zealand Sign Language full-time, leading the primary school class using every tool in his kit that is not the spoken word.

Full story. ⬇️

Weekend in Wellington 🧡

A special beautiful paperweight rock made by my old school friend and talent artist Sian. She painted it with the “I Love You” handshape. It is very useful to keep my paperwork from blowing away. I love it. You can look up at her Art Rocks By Sian in Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/1BMUkwCuLg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We enjoyed a wonderful evening with the Level 3 Advanced class at St. Andrews Church Lounge, where we were pleased to have 13 students attend.

We practiced NZSL grammar through a student survey and experienced communicating in low light conditions, figuring out how to communicate effectively when it gets dark in other room.

There are various options, close to outside light by the window, street light, moonlight, torches or Mobiles light/torch, or what is proper way not torch faced at Deaf person’s face, and lowered down torch.

Afterwards we also had an NZSL Level 2 quiz using Kahoot. During our break, two students brought delicious baked goods to share with us, including chocolate banana cake and citrus slices.

We were glad to see the rain outside, as we need more water in Waikato!

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