Language Foundations
Fingerspelling
Students learn to represent letters with handshapes and use fingerspelling for names and words.
Translate:
Auslan
Languages at Orange Grove
Connecting through Australian Sign Language
Students in Years 2–6 learn Auslan as their Language Other Than English program.
Auslan is the language of the Australian Deaf community. It uses fingerspelling, handshapes, movement and facial expression and has its own grammar, syntax and vocabulary.
Learning Auslan helps students communicate visually, understand Deaf culture and develop greater awareness of inclusive communication.
Visual Language Skills
What students learn in Auslan
Students develop receptive and expressive communication through observation, movement, expression and regular practice.
Visual Communication
Handshape and movement
Signs are formed using handshape, location, orientation and movement in clear and meaningful combinations.
Expression
Facial expression
Facial expression and body movement add meaning and help students communicate questions, feelings and emphasis.
Language Structure
Grammar and vocabulary
Students build vocabulary while learning that Auslan has its own grammar, syntax and language conventions.
Meet the Teacher
Dawn Farr
Auslan Teacher
Dawn supports students as they build confidence with fingerspelling, signs, facial expression and visual communication. Lessons provide practical opportunities to observe, practise and communicate with classmates.
Learning Through Interaction
Watch, practise and communicate
Auslan learning is active and highly visual. Students carefully observe signs, practise with classmates and use expression and movement to communicate meaning.
Observe
Watch handshape, movement, location and facial expression.
Practise
Repeat signs and improve accuracy through regular use.
Communicate
Use Auslan with a partner to share ideas and meaning.
Why Auslan Matters
Language learning that supports inclusion
Auslan broadens students’ understanding of communication, language, culture and the experiences of people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Students in Action
Practising Auslan together
Students build confidence by observing, signing and communicating with classmates.
Developing the Whole Child
Confidence, awareness and respect
Learning a visual language encourages students to pay close attention, communicate thoughtfully and appreciate different ways people connect and share meaning.
