| Science and Social Studies vocabulary are | | | | and are separated from each other. Visually, your |
| essential to the students' understanding of that | | | | hands appear tied or bound and when your arms |
| subject. If unfamiliar words hinder their | | | | open, it represents freedom because your hands |
| understanding of sentences, they will not be able | | | | are no longer locked as before. For those who |
| to learn anything about that specific topic. | | | | learn best visually, this representation is helpful |
| Therefore, learning new vocabulary is the most | | | | because they are physically presented with the |
| important step to learning the material in its | | | | word's meaning. For students who are kinesthetic |
| entirety. Unfortunately, many students struggle | | | | learners, they are able to use their bodies to |
| with learning vocabulary, usually because they | | | | express the definition of a new vocabulary word. |
| learn best visually or kinesthetically. These | | | | Therefore, especially for these students, new |
| struggling learners, as well as more advanced | | | | words will be easier to understand than if you |
| students, can better recall key Social Studies and | | | | were to only say the new word and tell them |
| Science terms more easily, if they are introduced | | | | what it means. This method of incorporating |
| to the American Sign Language signs that match | | | | American Sign Language signs into vocabulary |
| those vocabulary words. | | | | lessons will help all of your learners, but will |
| Many American Sign Language signs are iconic in | | | | especially benefit your struggling learners. |
| nature, meaning that the signs are a visual | | | | This example shows that as the teacher, you can |
| representation of their meaning. For example, the | | | | create a more effective means of teaching to |
| word "independence" is used often in Social | | | | formulate better recall and recognition of new |
| Studies and History courses. In American Sign | | | | vocabulary words in your Social Studies and |
| Language, you would use the sign for "free." To | | | | Science units, specifically among your visual and |
| show this sign, begin with both hands in fists | | | | kinesthetic learners. By simply teaching sign |
| facing toward you, crossed, and locked at the | | | | language signs in conjunction with your daily |
| wrists. Then unlock your wrists, turn your fists | | | | routine and curriculum, struggling learners will |
| around so they are out to the open and continue | | | | become more confident in their knowledge of the |
| to open your arms so that they no longer touch | | | | material, leading to further success. |