The Wellington School sign club in Winnipeg started as a project of inclusion for one of its students and has grown in popularity among students.
Allison Baker is an education assistant at the school and started the club when she found out that Grade 5 student Derrick Mallari is hearing impaired.
It started off with five students who would stay inside during recess where Baker would teach them how to sign so they could interact with Mallari.
Right now, they’re making a board game that is sign-friendly so all students can play.
The club has since grown to include Mallari’s entire homeroom and sparked interest from Grade 6 students. So many students that baker has actually had to turn some away.
The club has come out with an online book they are having published titled “The signs of Christmas.” The book consists of the sign club member signing different things associated with Christmas. The objective of the book is for people to learn more signs.
Baker said the club has really helped improved Mallari’s social skills and has helped him overcome a sense of loneliness.
