AUSLAN Language Program

Nagle Pre-School is fortunate to be a part of the Early Learning Languages Australia Program.

AUSLAN was chosen as our language and Tracey, our Early Childhood Languages Teacher, has become a much loved member of our community.

AUSLAN is Australian Sign Language, the native language of the Australian Deaf community, and is a visual-spatial, natural language with its own grammar and vocabulary.

Incorporating AUSLAN into the kinder program has many benefits for both deaf and hearing children. Sign language can:

• enhance children’s educational and personal development

• increase memory retention and motion processing

• stimulate brain development and mental flexibility

• increase enjoyment in communicating for both hearing and deaf children, and fosters a greater respect for diversity.

Children have the opportunity to become more comfortable with different languages early in life so that they stay engaged with language learning in later years. It also helps with understanding of inclusion and respect for diversity.