Question-I was introduced to Biffytoons today. While the general concept is good, why not make the gestures the same as in Sign Language? Kids with hearing/speech problems are often taught some ASL to help with communication. Biffytoons pairing with that would be phenomenal. I could not follow along today very well because I knew the sign for many of the words we did and it was hard for me to switch "languages".

Jennifer

I spent some time looking at the signs used in American sign language ... many times I did not think the physical gesture made a simple, or obvious connection to the word. Therefore, I made up my own gestures. But the cartoons are relatively easy to draw ... I'd be delighted if you, or someone else, would make an alternate set! There is no reason we couldn't have more than one version of Biffytoons.

Thanks! And THANKS for an amazing, exhausting day!

My collegues and I are soooooo ready to start using this!

I've already made my own version of class rules so maybe I'll encourage some sign language Biffytoons for our K-1 teachers too.... hmmmmm...


Thanks again for all you have done and all you do!

Jennifer

I teach sign language in an after school program. I taught my math students the numbers 1-20 and abc's so they can use them in gestures. The students know I teach after school and have asked the sign for this word or that in Math. It is a little confusing for me to use some of the getures that don't fit.

I also use sign language for the gestures, for the same named reasons. I use SEE (Signing Exact English)rather than ASL, though. The signs are word for word rather than phrases as in ASL, so it is a little easier for the kids to do just the keywords as we go.