Effective Communication

In addition to supporting the development in the spoken English language, Moss Heart uses American Sign Language (ASL) to encourage communication in the young, non-verbal child. Use of ASL helps eliminate frustration for the child (and adults) in communicating needs and desires from an early age. It’s a beautiful moment to witness a non-verbal child be able to initiate a conversation about the wind or communicate pain from a skin irritation. It also fosters respect for the child - e.g., asking children before picking them up. Young children can not only communicate more easily with adults, but also with other children in the classroom. 

"Once the child can speak, he can express himself and no longer depends on others to guess his needs.  He finds himself in touch with human society, for people can only communicate by means of language." (Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, p.78)

At this time, the Guide’s level of ASL is conversational, with steps being taken to deepen knowledge to further support the children’s ability to use ASL in the classroom. Support will be offered to parents and families who are currently unfamiliar with ASL and wish to bring it into the home.