Welcome to Governor’s Square Branch Library, Montgomery Alabama

Tuesday September 16 at 10 am, Brian McKenny, sign language interpeter, will read and teach preschoolers Eric Carle’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear and other resources in sign language. 

Kids have a great time with sign language, because it allows them to do what they do naturally– use their hands and bodies for kinetic learning to reinforce language and cognitive skills.

Sign language can enable small children to communicate with their parents before they are able to use words. Regardless of one’s hearing status, anyone can use it to communicate discreetly and quietly, across distance or in noisy situations.  International sign language allows communication between speakers of different native languages, and sign language gives an important option for productive and enjoyable interaction for those with hearing impairment.

Children at Governor’s Square Story Time will get an introduction to this important skill and have a great time with Brian McKenny and Mrs. Anita, 10 am Tuesday September 16. Mr. McKenny is the proud parent of three very kinetic little ones of his own, and will do a great job with the kids.

The US News and World Report includes learning sign language in the December 2007 article “50 Ways to Improve Your Life.” Author Vicky Hallett writes

“It’s the physical nature of ASL that makes it an appealing language for a range of ages. With sign, infants can learn to communicate with their parents months before they have the ability to vocalize their thoughts. For seniors, it encourages them to keep their brains sharp and their fingers nimble. And for folks in the middle, it’s a smart way to compensate for too many years of pumping up the volume. “