Using Signs in Online Programs

 I subscribe to the email list for Edutopia, which in their words " is a trusted source shining a spotlight on what works in education. We show people how they can adopt or adapt best practices, and we tell stories of innovation and continuous learning in the real world." Many best practices and articles translate to the library world, too.

This article How Using a Little Sign Language Can Improve Online Classes emphasizes the importance of visual communication and connection via distanced and virtual experiences. Useful for online programs, but perhaps something to incorporate into virtual meetings also.

I've seen your storytime videos that incorporate ASL (American Sign Language) into songs and storytime activities. I used some signs in in-person programs and am encouraged to use more virtually or to share videos with patrons like the fantabulous "Silly Storytimes in English and ASL" from Aram Public Library and the Wisconsin School for the Deaf.

We'd love to hear how you use visual communication or ASL in your library life.

Virtual Programming & SLP Ideas for YOU!

As we start getting closer to summer, libraries are adapting and planning for how they might provide SLP and programming virtually. We have gathered a number of great webinars and resources to help you out. Thanks this week go to Tessa Michaelson Schmid; Teresa Pennington; and the MN Dept of Education weekly meetings for the great shares.

• Summer Reading 2020 Recording 2020 and Followup - 4/10/20.  Illinois Heartland Library System. Ashley Stewart, Caseyville Public Library District and Lindsey Herron, Wood River Public Library, share outstanding practical tips and ideas for doing a virtual SLP no matter your theme

• Escaping Online: Virtual Escape Room & Other Virtual Program Ideas Webinar - Sydney Kawiaec from Peters Township Public Library, McMurray PA explores virtual programs, Hogwarts Digital Escape Room, step-by-step how to make your own escape room and other applications. Nebraska Library Commission. 4/22/20 - NCompass Live is a free to anyone in the US weekly, live sharing of information and resources. Sessions are archived. Wednesdays at 10 am CST

• Digital Escape Rooms and Activities - Google doc with links to a  huge variety of escape rooms shared by libraries around the country.  Sammy Nieman, Sun Prairie Library, Sun Prairie, WI, created and maintains the list and Ellen Thayn, The County Library (Salt Lake), Salt Lake, UT helps maintain the list.

• Virtual Programming Best Practices - Melissa Clark, Millersville Public Library in Millersville, TN. Kate Smith, Youth Services and Special Projects Coordinator wrote about it: "The staff at one of our smaller libraries has been knocking it out of the park for the variety and quality of the online programming they’ve provided since the pandemic began. I asked the director if she and her youth services staff would put on a webinar for us yesterday and they did an incredible job. We didn’t record it, but they have agreed to let us share their slides."

SLP Programming YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• A Reimagined SLP During a Pandemic  9/30/20
• A Look Back at Summer 2020  9/10/20
• Fun Summer Library Activities During COVID-19  7/6/20
• Summer Scavenger Hunt Fun 5/30/20
• Virtual and Offline Programs for Summer and Beyond  5/6/20
• DIY Family Activities for SLP from CSLP 5/1/20
• Virtual Programming & SLP Ideas for YOU! 4/25/20