Try storytelling in sign language during National Storytelling Week

New colourful story based book helps parents and children actively participate in the joy of learning through sign language

Many parents will be looking for new ways to participate in National Storytelling Week which runs from 31st January to 7th February, to try and give a new twist to story time at home.

Now, they can create a story that combines elements from another language, not a spoken language, but one that uses the hands, body and facial expressions to add interest, emotion and expression to the story, at the same time changing the children from being passive listeners to active participants. Sign Language!

Using sign language to sign the keywords in the text of a story can transform an ordinary story session into an exciting, interactive experience that stimulates the children’s interest in both the story and the signs being used together with raising their awareness in alternative forms of communication.

The new Learn to Sign with Olli book, written by Garry Slack, offers an original approach to learning sign language as it doesn’t just reply on photographs and descriptions of the signs. Instead, the signs used in the book have been specially selected to be relevant to parents and children and once learnt, are then woven into a series of stories, with text appearing in a different colour when corresponding with a sign already learnt. The signs featured in the books are all sourced directly from British Sign Language. The characters of Olli, the little monkey, and his family and friends, are used throughout the book to teach signs and help parents and children remember them.

The book costs just £12.99 plus postage and but three lucky Mumszone members have the chance to win a copy of this book just answer this simple question:-

‘Which TV presenter and broadcaster is featured in the Learn to Sign with Olli book?’

Go to www.signwitholli.com for the answer.

NB: The winner will receive a Private Message so please make sure that you check yours to see if you are a winner. If you fail to claim your prize within two weeks a new winner will be selected. There is no cash alternative to this prize.