In her first-grade class a student teacher taught the sign language alphabet. She enjoyed it and decided she wanted to learn more over the summer. In fact, both students are taking another week-long session later this month. Teacher Jackie Richer teaches basic sign language and simple sentences for communication. But learning how to sign isn't the only lesson being taught.
Students also learn about the history of sign language.
For example, in Michigan people who use sign language use a sign for store that is different than the sign used in any other state. The sign started at a Flint school for deaf people. Next to the school was a store that had a totem pole outside. Instead of using the sign for store, students would use the sign for Indian store when they wanted to go there. Eventually, the sign for store simply became the sign for Indian.