Ms.

Aurora

“There is no such thing as a neutral educational process; it will either condition us to conform or empower us to be free.”
— Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed (1970

Welcome!

I'm Zhavia Aurora, an educator passionate about fostering inclusive, accessible, and enriching learning experiences. Currently, I am completing my Master's in Equity-Focused Deaf Education and Interpreting at the Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf, after having earned my Bachelor's degree summa cum laude in Community Development and Inclusive Leadership.

Before taking on my educational journey, my first academic pursuit was astronomy, which led me to an exciting internship with NASA. Later on, I used their Infrared Telescope Facility to study star cluster evolution at Boston University. There, I contributed to observational astronomy, studied stellar phenomena, and enhanced my analytical and scientific communication skills through collaborative research.

Professionally, I have worked extensively as a DeafBlind mentor specializing in my native language, ProTactile. My commitment to accessibility and advocacy grows from my personal identity as an Indigenous American and DeafBlind individual. My experiences shape my teaching philosophy, emphasizing empowerment, cultural competency, and the holistic development of every student.

Outside the classroom, I'm an adventurer; I enjoy white-water rafting and skydiving, always ready for the next thrill. I also love playing the piano, glass blowing, painting, and growing an inside jungle.

I believe education thrives through strong community connections and collaborative partnerships with families. Welcome to our learning journey together!

Welcome

to

my

classroom

✶

Where

learning

is

for

everyone

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Welcome to my classroom ✶ Where learning is for everyone ✶

Rochester School for the Deaf

 

  • Rochester School for the Deaf is a private, tuition-free school for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners (newborn to age 21) offering exemplary opportunities in a bilingual ASL/English environment. RSD empowers academic achievement, enables communication, and enriches social engagement through proven and innovative programs and technologies. Learn more: RSD Mission & Vision

  • 33 students in our Early Childhood Center (FIRST Deaf Infant Program and Preschool)

    102 students in Grades K-12

    30+ school districts from central and western New York send students to RSD

    35% are students of color

    80% qualify for free or reduced lunches

    27 students participate in our residential program, living on campus Monday through Friday

    January 2025 data

  • Address: 1545 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14621
    Get Directions
    Phone: (585) 544-1240

    By Bus: RTS routes 2, 8, and 45 stop directly in front of campus

    By Car: Ample on-site parking; main entrance on St. Paul Street

    By Bike/Foot: Safe bike lane along East Avenue; campus is a 10-minute walk from downtown

  • RSD is one of eleven Section 4201 schools created by legislation to educate New York State’s deaf, blind, and severely physically disabled students. These eleven schools form the 4201 Schools Association, which advocates for our students, schools, and the continuation of specialized services. 4201 schools are not merely an educational option for children with low-incidence disabilities; they are often the most constructive and appropriate learning setting, enabling students to discover, communicate, and interact in the least restrictive environment. Visit the 4201 Schools Association of New York State Web site.

My approach

☻

Cultural Responsiveness

Using student's cultural strengths, I design lessons that connect with lived experiences.

❋

Collaborative

Questioning and exploration happen together, empowering students to co-construct knowledge and learn from one another.

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Diversity

I celebrate individual differences, fostering confidence by providing role models, varied perspectives, and differentiated opportunities for success.

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Holistic Accessibility

I use multimodal tools: ASL, TASL, ProTactile, visual aids, and technology, to ensure every aspect of learning is reachable, engaging, and affirming.

Why Parents Matter

“The most accurate predictor of student achievement is not family income or social status, but the extent to which families become involved in their children’s education.”
— U.S. Department of Education (2013)

  • Children absorb attitudes, values, and cultural pride from the adults around them. When you share family stories and celebrate Deaf culture at home, you strengthen your child’s sense of identity and belonging.

  • Your involvement, whether it’s reading ASL books together, practicing new signs, or attending school events, directly boosts language acquisition and academic confidence.

  • When you share stories about Deaf history, family traditions, or community events, you help your child feel proud of who they are. That pride fuels their confidence in school and beyond.

    Talking openly about challenges and achievements creates a home environment where your child knows it’s okay to take risks and ask questions.

  • Together at home, even five minutes a day, reinforces classroom lessons and turns ASL into a living, natural part of family life.

    “What did you learn today?” or “Can you show me that new sign?” signals to your child that their language growth matters, and that curiosity helps vocabulary stick.

  • When you know our classroom routines and learning targets, you can celebrate milestones at home and notice areas where extra support might help.

    By understanding available services like audiology checks or tutoring programs you become a powerful advocate for your child’s needs.

  • Showing your own willingness to learn whether trying a new sign or exploring Deaf art demonstrates that education is a shared adventure.

    Your excitement about school activities and events encourages your child to bring that same energy to class.

  • You know your child best. Sharing observations, what excites them, where they struggle, gives me essential insight to tailor lessons and supports.

    When we collaborate, we can connect you with community agencies, support groups, or enrichment opportunities that fit your family’s goals.

  • Story Time: Read or sign one ASL story together before bed.

    Sign of the Day: Pick a “word” (sign) over breakfast and spot it around the house.

    Home–School Check-In: Send me a quick text or video update once a week, no need to write an essay!

My manifestos

Community Cultivates Confidence

Accessibility Amplifies Achievement

Empathy Elevates Education

Getting Involved—Your Way

I know every family’s situation is unique. You might work late, have young children at home, or live a bit farther out and you shouldn’t have to choose between your child’s learning and your other responsibilities. Here are some low-pressure ways to plug in, on your terms.

  • We’ll hold Family Sign-Circles both in the morning (8:30–9:15 AM) and early evening (5:30–6:15 PM), so you can pick the time that fits your day. You can attend in person or join us on zoom. Zoom Links are sent to parents who request them via email invite for child privacy after a filling out the zoom participation conduct and privacy forms found in the information packet sent home. If you need another packet please let me know.

    If you miss a session, don’t worry: you can find a short, captioned video recap in the weekly Email.

  • All StoryShare volunteer slots will have a Zoom option, just sign on, camera off if you like, and share a book, recipe, or family story in ASL or spoken English.

    After each event we’ll send out a printable “Activity Packet” so you can try the same games at home whenever it works.

  • Little siblings are welcome in our “Sign-Play Nook” during events! Trained aides turn snacks and simple games into mini-ASL lessons.

    Need childcare? Let us know in advance, and we’ll have a supervised play area set up for ages 3–8.

  • Just starting ASL? We’ll pair you with an “ASL Buddy”!

    A fellow parent who’s happy to chat and practice signs over coffee (or in our virtual chat room).

    Short, friendly video tutorials (with spoken-English captions) will walk you through the basics, catch them anytime online.

  • If bus schedules or rides are tricky, drop us a note, we can connect you with nearby families for car-pooling, or arrange a special event shuttle from downtown.

    No car? No problem. There are programs to even cover bus-pass costs for families in need.

  • Not ready to lead a full workshop? Try a “micro-volunteering” task.

    15 minutes to record a welcome message, proofread a newsletter, or share a favorite ASL sign.

    Visit our “Family Table” at any school event to say hello, show off a hobby, or drop off a snack.

Our Neighborhood

Rochester’s Accessibility at a Glance

  • RTS fixed-route buses are low-floor, lift-equipped, and announce stops in audio and text.

    RTS Access paratransit offers curb-to-curb rides anywhere within ¾ mile of a bus line, 7 days a week. Eligibility is ADA-based and the same fare structure as regular service. Request trips or subscription service by phone (585-288-1700) or their website myrts.com

    On-Demand zones (Irondequoit, Greece, Brockport, etc.) use wheelchair-accessible shuttles you summon with an app or by phone—handy if you live outside a main route.

  • The City’s ADA Right-of-Way Transition Plan is mapping and fixing barriers at crosswalks, bus stops, and signalized intersections; feedback is welcomed through 311 or the project line (585-428-6695). City of Rochester

    A 2023 project replaced 140 missing curb ramps in the Beechwood neighborhood alone, and similar work rolls out each construction season. City of Rochester

  • Center for Disability Rights (CDR) – A cross-disability, Deaf-run organization that fights for civil rights while offering practical help. Whether you need a personal-care attendant, want advice on accessible housing, or just need to know your legal rights, start here.
    Address: 497 State Street Phone: 585-546-7510

    Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) – Shares the same campus as CDR and focuses on everyday problem-solving: benefits counseling, adaptive-equipment loans, and home-modification grants. Family peer advocates can walk you through paperwork step-by-step.

    Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities (University of Rochester Medical Center) – Maintains a huge online resource directory and offers free workshops for parents on everything from IEP navigation to feeding therapies. Call their resource desk (585-275-0355) or visit the website to search services by age, diagnosis, or insurance type.

  • AutismUp - 80+ social, ABA, and life-skills programs; sensory-friendly events; parent navigation line (585-248-9011). Home | AutismUp

    CP Rochester / SportsNet - Early-intervention preschool, adaptive recreation, OT/PT, respite. Cure for Rochester

    Goodwill Vision Enterprises (ABVI) - Orientation & mobility, tech training, low-vision clinics, 211 / 988 information line.

  • Rochester Accessible Adventures (RAA) trains gyms, camps, and city parks to welcome all bodies; its DirectConnect program pairs families with inclusive sport spots. Rochester Accessible Adventures

    Inclusive playgrounds:

    Playground for All Children at Genesee Valley Park (city-operated).

    Basil Marella Park (Town of Greece) features a wheelchair swing and We-Go-Round merry-go-round. WXXI News

    Karpus Family Playground at Challenger Miracle Field—ADA surfacing plus sensory zones.

  • The Little Theatre downtown runs open-caption screenings every Thursday night and early Sunday, with loops, handheld CC devices, and ASL interpreters available on request. thelittle.org

    A 2025 NY-wide bill (advocated by Rochester parents) would require similar open-caption options at mainstream multiplexes—momentum is strong here. WHEC.com

  • All major hospital systems (UR Medicine, Rochester Regional Health) post ADA accommodation hotlines; RRH’s ADA Coordinator can arrange interpreters or adaptive equipment for appointments. rgcohc.edu

    University of Rochester, RIT/NTID, and MCC each have dedicated disability offices offering note-taking, captioning, and testing accommodations for adult learners.

 Community Resource Directory

  • Call 911
     – Standard emergency number; Deaf/hard-of-hearing callers can dial 711 to connect via NY 7-1-1 Relay Service with video or text options.

  •  – Sign up for accessible citywide alerts (voice, TTY, text, email): https://www.cityofrochester.gov/Hyper-Reach/

  •  – County alerts, severe weather notifications, shelter openings: https://www.monroecounty.gov/emergency

  •  – 24/7 mental–health and crisis support for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind adults: (585) 275-3309

  • RTS Lift (ADA Paratransit) – Door-to-door, reservation-based service for riders unable to use fixed-route buses: https://www.myrts.com/ADA-Paratransit

    RTS Fixed-Route Bus System – All buses are lift-equipped; schedules, real-time tracking, and TTY info online: https://www.myrts.com/Maps-Schedules

    Access-a-Ride (RGRTA) – Region-wide paratransit service beyond city limits: https://www.rgrta.com/ADA-Accessibility

    Freedom (Taxi Voucher Program) – Subsidized taxi service for low-income and disabled riders; apply via City DSS.

  • Foodlink “Find Food” Locator – Search pantries, kitchens, and mobile distribution by ZIP:https://foodlinkny.org/find-food/

    Rochester Public Market – Farmers, fresh produce, cultural food vendors; free admission, accessible stalls:https://www.cityofrochester.gov/publicmarket/

    Meals on Wheels of Rochester & Monroe County – Home-delivered meals for homebound seniors and disabled adults:https://mowrochester.org/

    Secondhand Grocery – Riverside Kitchen “Pay What You Can” grocery store at 300 Dewey Ave.

    Faith-Based Pantries:

    Sacred Heart Cathedral Food Pantry: 296 Flower City Park, Rochester

    Church of the Reformation Pantry: 111 N. Chestnut St., Rochester

  • Willow Domestic Violence Center (Deaf IGNITE – Emergency shelter and advocacy for survivors (24/7 hotline TTY available): https://www.willowcenterny.org/

    House of Mercy – Men’s and family overnight shelter; day services for showers, meals, case management: https://houseofmercyrsa.org/

    Volunteers of America Homeless Services – Women’s shelter, youth drop-in, and outreach for Deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals: https://www.voa-roch.org/

    CaringWorks DHH Program (Hope House) – Homeless program tailored to Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing adults: https://www.rit.edu/ntid/saisd/resources

  • Rochester Recreation Club for the Deaf – Social events, ASL bowling nights, and peer support: http://www.rochesterdeafclub.com/

    Deaf Equity Council (Monroe County) – Advocacy, workshops, and community-led initiatives for Deaf/DeafBlind residents: https://www.monroecounty.gov/dei-deafequitycouncil

    Center for Disability Rights – Deaf & DeafBlind Services – Case management, interpreting referrals, equipment loans: https://cdrnys.org/services/deaf-and-deafblind-services/

    Local Houses of Worship with ASL Services

    Calvary St. Andrews Church (ASL-interpreted services)

    Brighton United Church (sensory-friendly worship supports)

    DEAFund (Monroe County Bar Association) – Legal support and referrals for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing clients: https://mcba.org/?pg=DEAFund

  • Seneca Park Zoo Sensory-Friendly Mornings – First-access hours with reduced noise and crowd levels: https://senecaparkzoo.org/visit/accessibility/

    Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) – ASL-interpreted events and tactile exhibits: https://www.rmsc.org/Accessibility/

    George Eastman Museum – Autism-friendly “Quiet Hangouts” and sensory-friendly gallery guides: https://www.eastman.org/accessibility

    Rochester Public Library Programs – Storytimes in ASL, DeafBlind Book Club, and adaptive technology workshops: https://roccitylibrary.org/accessibility/

    NTID Fitness & Recreation – Inclusive fitness classes and ProTactile yoga at RIT’s NTID campus: https://www.rit.edu/ntid/recreation

    ARC Monroe County – Social and therapeutic recreation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: https://arcofmonroe.org/services/recreation

  • Local Rochester Deaf Resources

    Center for Disability Rights (CDR) – Deaf Services Case management, interpreter referrals, equipment loans, and support groups.https://cdrnys.org/services/deaf-and-deafblind-services/

    Deaf Wellness Center (URMC) Mental-health counseling, peer support, and wellness programs via Video Phone.https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/deaf-wellness-center

    Rochester Public Library – Accessibility Services ASL storytimes, DeafBlind book clubs, captioned media, adaptive tech workshops.https://roccitylibrary.org/accessibility/

    Rochester Recreation Club for the Deaf Social events (bowling, potlucks), peer gatherings, and community outings.http://www.rochesterdeafclub.com/

    Deaf Equity Council (Monroe County) Advocacy, community needs assessments, and policy advising.https://www.monroecounty.gov/dei-deafequitycouncil

    NTID Deaf Services (RIT - University) Tutoring, technology accommodations, cross-campus interpreting, Deaf student union.https://www.rit.edu/ntid/deafplus/

    Statewide New York Deaf Resources

    NY State Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing Office Centralized resource hub, interpreter listings, equipment grants, training programs.https://www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-state-deaf-deafblind-and-hard-hearing-office

    NYS Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Advocacy, complaint resolution, public policy, community outreach.https://www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-state-deaf-deafblind-and-hard-hearing-office

    DCID – Deaf Cultural International Directory Comprehensive listing of ASL programs, Deaf clubs, and interpreting training across NY.https://www.nysed.gov/new-york-state-school-deaf

    Victim Assistance Services Support for Deaf crime victims with interpreting, counseling, and legal advocacy. Contact the NYS Office of Victim Services with Deaf-accessible hotlines https://www.monroecounty.gov/da-assistance

    National Deaf Organizations

    National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Civil rights advocacy, ADA enforcement guidance, national policy.https://www.nad.org/

    Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Peer support chapters, advocacy, national conventions, hearing assistive tech guides.https://www.hearingloss.org/

    Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) National certification, professional development, interpreter referral.https://rid.org/

    Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI) Policy advocacy, TRS oversight, captioning standards.https://tdiforaccess.org/

    American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) Parent resources, Deaf mentoring programs, advocacy for bilingual education.https://deafchildren.org/

    Tech & Accessibility Tools

    Ava App Live captioning for in-person conversation on smartphones.https://www.ava.me/

    Hamilton CapTel Captioned telephone service for landlines and mobile devices.https://www.hamiltoncaptel.com/

    Purple VRS Video Relay Service app for ASL users.https://www.purple.us/

    Sorenson VRS High-definition VRS with certified interpreters.https://www.sorensonvrs.com/

    Be My Eyes Connects visually impaired users with sighted volunteers. https://www.bemyeyes.com/

  • Local Rochester Resources

    • Center for Disability Rights (CDR) Deaf/DeafBlind Services Free Support Service Provider (SSP) program assisting DeafBlind individuals with community navigation, shopping, appointments, and communication. CDR Deaf/DeafBlind Services

    • DeafPlus DeafBlind Resources at NTID, RIT On-campus and off-campus supports for DeafBlind students, including Accessible Van Service (AVS), walking escorts, technology accommodations, and the Vision Support Committee. RIT DeafPlus DeafBlind Resources

    • Deaf Wellness Center (URMC) Mental-health evaluations, counseling, and peer support for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, DeafBlind, and late-deafened adults across New York State, with Video Phone access. URMC Deaf Wellness Center

    Statewide & Regional Resources

    • DeafBlind Service Center (NYDBS Network) Specialized training in orientation & mobility, daily‐living skills, and communication access. Serves DeafBlind individuals throughout New York State. NY DeafBlind Related Resources 

    • Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) Provides audiology, speech therapy, and social services—partners with local agencies to support DeafBlind clients. CHC Website

    National Resources

    • Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) Offers vocational training, independent‐living skills, and assistive technology training for individuals who are DeafBlind. Helen Keller National Center

    • American Association of the DeafBlind (AADB) National advocacy organization providing peer support networks, informational webinars, and legislative advocacy. AADB Website

    • National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program Federally funded program offering communication equipment (e.g., Braille displays, adaptive devices) at no cost to eligible DeafBlind individuals. NDBEDP Information

    Community & Social Support

    • Rochester Recreation Club for the Deaf Monthly social events (bowling, potlucks) and peer-support gatherings—open to DeafBlind members. http://www.rochesterdeafclub.com/

    • Deaf Equity Council (Monroe County) County advisory body conducting outreach, policy advocacy, and community needs assessments specifically including DeafBlind residents. Deaf Equity Council

  • Local Rochester Resources

    • Deaf Refugee Advocacy – Rochester (DRA) A grassroots nonprofit helping newly resettled and long-time Deaf refugees and immigrants build independence through education, advocacy, and cultural events. Offers classes in ASL/Tactile ASL, case management, and social integration support. https://www.deafrefugeeadvocacy.org/

    • People Inc. – Deaf Refugee & Immigrant Services Provides Western New York’s Deaf refugees and immigrants with life-skills training, employment assistance, independent-living support, driver’s-license preparation, and citizenship guidance. https://www.people-inc.org/health-and-housing/deaf-access-services/deaf-refugee-and-immigrant-services/

    • Jewish Family Services – Refugee Resettlement Offers comprehensive refugee support—including housing, food security, and employment—for refugees of all backgrounds; ASL interpreting and Deaf-aware caseworkers available upon request. https://jfsrochester.org/ (see “Refugee Resettlement”) 

    Statewide & National Supports

    • NY State Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing Office Centralized hub for interpreter referrals, equipment grants, and specialized programs serving Deaf and DeafBlind individuals statewide—including refugees and immigrants. https://www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-state-deaf-deafblind-and-hard-hearing-office

    • Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Nationwide directory of certified ASL interpreters; ideal for arranging language access in medical, legal, and resettlement contexts. https://rid.org/ 

    • Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) Federal center offering vocational training, independent-living instruction, and assistive-technology training specifically for DeafBlind individuals, including refugee populations. https://www.helenkeller.org/hknc

    • American Association of the DeafBlind (AADB) National advocacy group providing peer support networks, informational resources, and policy advocacy for DeafBlind people—resources accessible to newcomers. https://aadb.org/

    • National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) Federally funded program supplying communication devices (Braille displays, adaptive tech) at no cost to eligible DeafBlind individuals, including refugees and immigrants. https://www.tsbvi.edu/ndbedp

Growing Together: Understanding Your Child’s Identity & Learning Strengths

How Children Build a Sense of “Who I Am”

Erik Erikson – “Identity vs. Role Confusion.”
What it means: Around age eleven and up, kids start asking, “Who am I and where do I belong?” Steady encouragement and positive Deaf role models help them answer with confidence.

Urie Bronfenbrenner – Ecological Systems.
What it means: Family, friends, school, media, and society all work together like rings of an onion. When home and school send the same message - “You matter, your language matters” - the student’s self-identity grows stronger.

Jean Phinney – Cultural Identity Stages.
What it means: Children often move from Unaware ➜ Curious ➜ Exploring ➜ Secure. Celebrating Deaf culture alongside any home languages speeds the move toward “Secure.”

Jeffrey Glickman – Deaf Identity Development.
What it means: Deaf people may see themselves as
• Mostly hearing,
• Unsure where they fit,
• Fully immersed in Deaf culture, or
• Comfortable in both Deaf and hearing worlds.


Our classroom goal is the last one—feeling at ease everywhere.

Eight Ways Your Child Can Be “Smart”(Each “smart” has a quick snapshot of what your child may enjoy plus a no-stress idea you can try at home.)

Word Smart (Linguistic–Verbal)

  • Strengths: word play, storytelling, reading aloud, writing.

  • At home: host a nightly story circle or start a family journal/comic strip.

Logic Smart (Logical–Mathematical)

  • Strengths: spotting patterns, solving problems, experimenting.

  • At home: cook together—measure ingredients precisely; play strategy board games; code simple puzzles online.

Picture Smart (Spatial–Visual)

  • Strengths: drawing, map-reading, visualising ideas in 3-D.

  • At home: draw a treasure map of your neighbourhood; build block or clay models; create a family photo collage.

Body Smart (Bodily–Kinesthetic)

  • Strengths: learning by moving, touching, building, dancing.

  • At home: choreograph a dance to a favourite song; act out book scenes; try a hands-on science experiment.

Music Smart (Musical–Rhythmic)

  • Strengths: feeling rhythm through vibration, recognising beat and melody.

  • At home: turn pots and pans into instruments; invent a family rhythm song; record and remix everyday sounds.

People Smart (Interpersonal)

  • Strengths: cooperation, empathy, teamwork.

  • At home: build a family project (birdhouse, Lego city); play cooperative games; hold a “feelings check-in” circle.

Self Smart (Intrapersonal)

  • Strengths: self-reflection, goal-setting, independent learning.

  • At home: keep a goals-and-gratitude journal; chart progress on a hobby; plan regular “me-time” activities.

Nature Smart (Naturalist)

  • Strengths: observing plants, animals, weather patterns.

  • At home: take a weekly nature walk; collect and classify leaves or rocks; start a small container garden.

Remember, most children shine in several of these areas—celebrate the mix!

Identity Development

  • Treating all children “the same” without acknowledging how background or ability shape experience. While well-intentioned, it can leave students feeling unseen and unheard.

  • Actively recognizing and valuing each child’s unique identities—race, culture, ability—so you can meet them where they are and support their growth.

  • Everyday comments or actions—often unintentional—that can undermine a child’s sense of belonging (e.g., “You don’t look Deaf”). Recognizing and interrupting them builds a safer, more affirming classroom.

  • Understanding how overlapping identities (e.g., race + disability + income) create unique experiences of advantage or challenge. This lens guides us to tailor supports for each family.

Four Anytime Activities that Blend Identity & Intelligences

Ten minutes is plenty, pick whatever feels fun for your family.

  1. Story-Walk & Sign-Share
    Take a stroll, choose one object, and sign or classifier-story about it. Builds Word, Body, Picture Smarts and links ASL to daily life.

  2. Kitchen Math Bake-Off
    Double or halve a favourite recipe together. Builds Logic & Self Smarts and shows Deaf kids they can rock STEM skills.

  3. Rhythm Light Show
    Feel the bass through the floor or balloons while clapping or signing lyrics. Builds Music, Body, People Smarts and celebrates Deaf ways of enjoying music.

  4. Back-Yard Scientist Journal
    Sketch or photograph one plant or insect, label it in ASL gloss and English. Builds Nature, Picture, Word Smarts while connecting language to the natural world.