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Now that you have learned a few simple words. Let’s learn some simple action words!
Many times we need words to for every day activities.
Starting with words appropriate for all ages:
EAT
DRINK
DRINK
WATER
WATER- Move “W” handshape back and forth to the mouth
SIT
TO SITTO SIT
GO
GO TO THE BATHROOM (POTTY)
SHAKE your WRIST with the “T” handshape
SLEEP (Young Child Sign)
For Older Students:
To DRIVE
To WANT (pull hands towards you)
To THINK
PRACTICE: Now that you can spell finish these signed sentences
1- I (point to self) EAT ________
2- I (point to self) DRINK______
I (am) GOING to ____________
Also, fingerspell these places :
DISNEY WORLD
CHURCH
TEMPLE
HOME
SCHOOL
MALL
STORE
LIBRARY
EXTENDED LEARNING: This sign has an X handshake but none of the words it can convey in ASL start with the letter X. Which words (there are at least 5) can you make with this handshake? (Hint: One word this can communicate is TO NEED)
1- TO NEED
2-
3-
4-
5-
TO NEED and many other words that use this sign/ handshake
Recommended viewing for older students and adults: (note mature themes)
Oscar nominated:
Children of a Lesser God
Beyond Silence – German / English subtitles/ German Sign Language
How to approach the topic of Deafness? Preliminary assignments for students.
1- Ask your students if they have any experience within the Deaf community. You may be surprised to find out that some have quite a bit of knowledge.
2- Do any of your students have previous exposure to sign language. Perhaps they know signs such as MOMMY and DADDY or the alphabet / numbers?
3- Some students may benefit by being given the assignment of watching television with no sound or captions for 30 minutes. Can they follow the storyline? (Older kids should be encouraged to watch a variety of shows, such as the news. Discussion points can include what was easier to follow?)
Second portion of this assignment can include asking students to watch television or videos WITH captions! Another discussion can be the value of closed captioning and the laws that enable closed captioning for equal access.
**FIRST SIGNS to TEACH:
Preschool students: (These signs are ready for download on our GALLERY PAGE)
Practice letters by first signing common objects and names. 2 letters. Then 3 letters. Then more.
Practice in front of mirrors.
Practice by spelling names of movies, books, famous people and family and friends.
How to reinforce learning creatively:
MANUAL ALPHABET: Play games such as SCRABBLE, Hangman, Word Search, Crossword puzzles
NUMBERS: Math problems, memorizing digit series, Sudoko, Battleship
EXTEND LEARNING FOR OLDER STUDENTS (Middle/ High School)
1- Do all countries use the same sign language? What country is American Sign Language most akin to?
2- Deaf people often learn to sign to communicate. Could sign language be a good communication method for non-deaf people and if so, which circumstances?
3- How do you think sign language can help you learn other subjects (such as spelling or math problems)?
I am a career chameleon. I have worked many years in the rewarding field of education as a Psychologist, Sign Language Instructor and Interpreter, Parent and Teacher Trainer and much more. I LOVE the milieu of education. It is one of the most “warm fuzzy” careers you can have because you are able to make a difference in the lives of students on a daily basis. Yet, it also can be stressful (very) and with the add on of responsibilities outside of the prevue of education being placed on teachers, many educators are leaving the field. To some degree that was me – ten years ago.
Admittedly, I was ready for something ELSE. Something that wouldn’t result in burn -out. As it so happened around that time I developed sign language products to help novice learners, especially parents and First Responders. I used social media to market these products and amazingly – they sold like hotcakes! YES! This was the catalyst that I needed to find my “second” career. And, due to crazy twists and turns in my life, I landed into the world of social media.
Fast forward, now I want to take this opportunity to share (and educate) others about what I have learned working in social media this past decade. Consider this the “inside scoop”…
Photo: Pexels.com
Point 1: To have a social media career is to know that social media as a career is not about making random fun posts but about constructing a well thought out strategic plan for 1-3-6 months – at a minimum.
This is a profession that is not for the weak of heart or for someone who requires a lot of sleep. The first step is to become educated. What are the nuances of each of the most used and requested social media platforms? My advice – learn about them and their algorithms and analytic programs. Become an on-going student of media and marketing as these are professions that change on such a rapid basis that it may make your head spin. And lest not forget about the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations.
Take away: A career in social media is not about the “posts” but the strategy behind the posts.
Point 2: Posts should be meaningful and client/ product centered.
When you work in social media, unless you are a key influencer and are making a living doing so, chances are you are working for a client representing a brand. It is important to remember that you (or your agency) have been contracted or employed by a brand to work on their behalf. This means that your focus is on the client. Every day you will be looking at their competitors, curating related content, creating eye-popping engaging posts, and analyzing the impact of your campaigns. Unless you are instructed to be part of the campaign – your face (literally) needs to be out of the picture.
Take away: Focus on your client if you truly are a media strategist.
logo of Mixi.jp
Point 3. There is social media in other countries. Know what is popular there.
The mistake we often make in social media in the USA is thinking that the only social media platforms “worth” anything are the ones we use here in “Old Glory”. Not true. If your brand wants to connect with an international audience then you need to familiarize yourself with these (among others), too: MIXI(Japan) and Youku (China).
Point 4: Social Media is a profession. Don’t dilute it by working for free
If you have read this far chances are you want to work in social media and that means needing to getting PAID. No one will take you seriously if you give away all your expertise. This also doesn’t help grow social media as a profession. Gratis work for an occasional friend or non-profit is considered “ok” – but be cautious. And, you are worth more than just a few dollars for your knowledge.
Point 5: Get professional liability insurance.
This is a profession where you most likely will be a freelancer. Suppose that you work for a client who feels your strategy “didn’t work” and wants to now take you to court for “breach of contract”. I highly recommend having liability insurance and also a legal team to help you – “just in case”. While there are many good insurance and legal service companies / individuals, I use Legal Shield for legal services and HISCOX for professional liability insurance coverage.
Point 5: Be CLEVER! Use your own content or give credit where credit is due!
Almost every person has a cell phone. It also is one of the most important “tools” a social media manager can own in their personal arsenal. BE CLEVER! Use great apps and computer programs to architect social media campaigns with animation, gifs, video, images, graphs and much more that will be “eye popping” and keep your audience engaged!
Most importantly – give credit to where your content was curated. If the photo is not your own – let people know that! If the quote you used was authored by someone else- make sure you acknowledge them.
Sidenote: Favorite programs include RELAY, CANVA, RIPL, LUMYER and TYPORAMA. All are apps and RELAY andCANVA have desktop versions.
Sample Twitter Chat post made using an adorable stock photo by Pixabay for the CADE FOUNDATION
Point 6: Have Fun!
It is no secret that my work in social media includes being a social media correspondent. The opportunities I have been afforded has allowed me to meet, greet, interview and often become friends with many who are in the entertainment, tech and media verticals. People often think “all I do” is work as a social media correspondent. It has been a “ton of fun” to create campaigns and events that are high profile or to attend them as a social media reporter/ correspondent.
Below is a sample of where you may have seen my “work” as either an attendee or correspondent.
The US FESTIVAL 1982: I had the pleasure to work with ICON Television and Music to help build their social media presence and create an event for their official film premiere. This was an exciting event as the film’s story is about a two weekend musical event solely paid for by Steve Wozniak, one of the founders of APPLE. (Check it out on Amazon and other online stores.)
Photo by Louise Sattler during US FESTIVAL 1982 Premiere
SUPPORTING SOCIAL GOOD CAUSES with SOCIAL MEDIA
RACE TO ERASE MS GALA
Below you will see photographs I have snapped from the ORANGE CARPET at the 2016 annual gala for ERASE MS. I simply love this organization and am proud to have donated my time to help them promote about resources for those with Multiple Sclerosis and the medical advancements made to help those who have been diagnosed with this disease and related disorders.
On the “Orange carpet” with LL Cool J – at Erase MS Gala (Photo credit: Louise Sattler)
iPain Foundation Gala
The iPain Foundation helps those who have chronic disorders, such as Lupus or RA.
Nyle DiMarco Foundation for Sign Language Support for Parents and Deaf Children
Sasha Farber, Emma Slater (Farber) and Todd Krim
Marlee Matlin, Nyle DiMarco and Camryn Manheim at the Nyle DiMarco Foundation Party
This foundation is near and dear to my heart as helping families to learn how to communicate with their Deaf child with sign language (ASL) has been one of my life-long career goals.
Last thoughts…
I love covering travel events – such as the LA TRAVEL and ADVENTURE SHOW
In closing… I hope that this article has enlightened those who wish to pursue a career in social media. And remember that this career is not for everyone.
The educator in me wants to leave you with some last nuggets of information:
Follow reliable online tech and media outlets (Mashable is one of my favorites)
Join groups that help to educate without judgement on Facebook and especially, Linkedin.
Remember with social media, like with almost everything else – is dependent on knowing your business by being educated. In other words… education does matter!
Good luck! And remember life is too short – so do what you love. I am lucky… I get to work in both EDUCATION and SOCIAL MEDIA!
I love working with authors. Their creative juices inspire me to want to be a better writer and I love the process of seeing a book soar from shelves in to the homes of readers. Creating a social media campaign to promote a book that is about to be launched can be exciting and, at times, a bit of a rollercoaster. My newest client is the amazing and lovely Tricia LaVoice. A woman who writes from the heart and doesn’t hold anything back! I have known Tricia for a number of years, love her candor, and was happy to help her launch her new book. However, when I heard the title I must admit it took me a bit “off guard”!
My first reaction was – “I wonder how Dear Martha, WTF? will play in Peoria?” And exactly what is this book about that warrants such a strong title! So, during a 14 hour flight to Japan I took “Dear Martha, WTF? (DMWTF) out of my carry-on and read it nearly in a single sitting. When I closed the back cover it was clear – “Dear Martha, WTF?” was the perfect title!
It may help for you to know my “take-aways” from the book:
This author’s memoir is a raw and honest account of losing not one, not two but three members of her family. The pain and anguish she feels is palatable.
Author Cheryl Strayed had been an inspiration for Tricia after she read WILD. (They even met for the first time this past month). You walk away feeling inspired and awestruck about the resiliency of spirit, such as with WILD.
Many have said that DMWTF is the perfect book for readers who enjoyed The Giving Tree or Eat Love Pray. I can see that.
The book is chocked full of personal accounts of friendship, love, loss and examples of resiliency. A perfect book for a bookclub discussions. (She does have a book club integrated as part of her website.)
Humor is generously sprinkled throughout this narrative
Oh and “Martha” is a tree. A pine tree that helps the author realize that she needs “roots” to carry on after the trifecta of tragedy. When exasperated by life she finds comfort in her backyard yelling – “DEAR MARTHA, WTF?” Now you know the reason why this book has its’ title and it fits perfectly!
Anatomy of a book launch
It has been interesting having a front row seat to the launch of this book. Being the social media support arm to this book launch campaign, I have had the privilege to get to know her audience and see the excitement build. There are so many people who want to engage with Tricia across platforms. Her love of the outdoors, yoga and focus on her family and friends are topics that I am sure will resonate with many. of her 7K followers on Facebook.
The hashtag is #DearMarthaWTF (of course)!
If you pick up a copy of the book, Tricia would love to say hello on social. Use the hashtag #ReadingDearMartha
This week will be one chocked full of book launch events as the OFFICIAL release date is April 10, 2018. TV interviews, book signings and a launch party for the press are all planned. Tricia plans on venturing on to TalkShop.Live, too! I look forward to seeing this book “fly off of shelves”.
Ready to start reading? You can find Dear Martha, WTF? online (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.) and also at local bookstores. The book is published by Post Hill Press– so feel free to connect with them, too!
About four times a year I receive an invitation to partake at a Celebrity ConnectedGifting Suite. This company, owned by Gene Sheynis , packs beautiful venues with vendors all waiting to meet and greet celebrities and have an opportunity to discuss with them the wonders of their product or service.
After nearly five years of attending these gifting suites I have become friendly with many of the Celebrity Connected staff and really admire their keen eye for picking out brands. Recently, they have increased the number of companies “with a purpose” – meaning those who have a desire to “give back” with a cause. I love meeting folks who truly care about making a difference!
This time it was my friend and associate – Photographer Joy Daunis, who spotted Gems for Gems first at the Oscar gift suite. Apparently, her initial encounter with them left such a huge impression that she came “flying” over to me and said that I shouldn’t delay meeting them. I am glad I listened to Joy, as she was right- they were amazing, inspirational and “sparkly” people!
At the Gems for Gems Booth (photo by Joy Daunis of JoyDaunisPhotos.com)
Jordan Guildford is the founder of Gems for Gems. She and I had an opportunity to meet during the gift suite and subsequently spoke on the phone. She is simply the rock to this organization and someone who I think will keep Gems for Gems going for a long time!
I asked Jordan to answer some questions for me to share more about her Canadian based charity looking to have outreach in the United States. I also have copied below their powerful mission statement from their website. Please take a few moments to learn more about Gems for Gems – the Calgary Canadian group with a huge HEART!
From the Gems for Gems website:
Gems for Gems is a Calgary based Charity whose mission is to ‘Empower Women to Empower Themselves’. Through the collaborative efforts of corporations and community, this heart centered organization works with shelters to change the lives and futures of women who have experienced abuse. It is our belief that within each woman exists a hero, ready to save the day. We teach, inspire and motivate, through our three initiatives, to bring out that hero in each woman we work with….
(Question 1: Louise Sattler: LS) We met at the Celebrity Connected Oscar Gift Suite (CCOGS). Did you find any of the celebrities sharing their experiences with domestic violence (either as a victim or as a child of a victim) with you?
(Answer 1: Jordan G (JG): Yes! Our whole team was blown away by how willing so many were to share their personal stories… Many cried with us as intimate moments were shared. It was incredibly moving.
(Question 2 : LMS): What are some of the reasons you wanted to attend CCOGS? Did you accomplish those roles.
(Answer 2 : JG):We were invited to attend this past summer and our goal right from then was to (hopefully) get pictures with as many celebs that were willing and had our fingers crossed for some videos supporting the Gems for Gems cause….
What we actually received blew us away! We were never denied a picture, we have countless videos, and over 25 celebrities have given us their personal information to be able to work with us moving forward. it was just incredible and we are very much on a high!
(Question 3: LS): I know that you are asking for donation of jewelry? Why? And what is it used for?
(Answer 3: JG): Gems for Gems began with a Christmas Jewelry Drive in which women donate their ‘like-new’ jewelry to our charity. Our team cleans it and gives packages of them to the women who have survived domestic abuse, and are living in the shelters, on Christmas morning!
Gifts donated with high value are appraised and will be auctioned in support of our Gems for Gems Scholarship Program being launched this year! All donations are very much appreciated and we would love as much support as we can get!
(Question 4: LS) How long has Gems for Gems been around?
(Answer 4 JG): Gems for Gems began Christmas 2015!
(Question 5: LS): . Biggest accomplishment so far?
(Answer 5: JG) Without a doubt, the contacts we gained from attending the Celebrity Connected Luxury Gifting Suite. I am still blown away.
(Question 6 LS): Your plans for the next year? Next 3-5 years?
(Answer 6: JG). GROWTH! Our greatest desire is to positively affect the horrendous statistics on domestic abuse. We are definitely wanting to expand to the U.S.A. and will do so once our program is strong and producing the desired results in Canada. We have a very proactive approach to this staggering issue and want to create lasting change for each woman in our Scholarship Program as we assist in ending the cycle of abuse.
For our team, the most important mission is to show each woman she can be her own hero. This situation can be turned around for herself and her children. We believe education is the key to empowering each woman and, through the ability to stand on her own feet financially and emotionally, the dependency on her abuser will be severed.
(Question 7 LS): Do you have any resources for people who need your services but are Deaf or have family members with Disabilities or disorders such as Autism?
(Answer 7: JG): Thankfully the shelters are a safe place for all coming from an abusive situation. Through our Scholarship Program all applicants with the desire to turn their situation around will have an equal opportunity to be awarded a scholarship. The schools we are partnering with will echo our belief that we are all equals no matter what disabilities or disorders we have. We all have our hurdles to overcome. Some have more, some less, some can be seen and others are internal. Gems for Gems seeks to create change this area for all.
(Final Question/ LS): How can my audience in the United States help?
( Final Answer / JG). We would absolutely love to have jewelry donations sent in of any value! Items of higher vale can be sent in with a note explaining the purpose of the donation is to support the Gems for Gems Scholarship Program as mentioned above. (mailing address below)
We are also happy to take donations of any amount toward the scholarships! We are also open to naming one after a business or individual if the entire costs are covered.
Support can also be as simple as spreading the word! Talk about Gems for Gems and think about those who may wish to get further involved! We are ALWAYS open to collaborative ideas!
Mailing Address
Gems For Gems
PO Box Seton PO
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T3M 1Y6
Please go get “gently used” gems and send them in to help their cause. The address provided above!
The east coast is going to be hit again with potentially another foot of snow and that means a lot of kids will be home from school. What to do to beat the “winter time blues”? Here are some ideas that may result in more than keeping the kids busy on a winter day…
Pillows / empty boxes / blankets over a couch and table make the perfect fort! Include some flashlights, books and board games to make the perfect “camp”. If you have a group of budding musicians consider challenging them to write a song with music and lyrics. Think the song has potential? Check out websites for submission, such as this one.
Create your own board game. Kids can be super creative. Offer them the suggestion to submit to the HASBRO gaming lab their idea. Rules and more can be found here. As an incentive – they are offering some substantial cash prizes and awesome opportunities to meet them in their lab. HASBRO, of course, is a giant in the board game world. Read the rules and terms carefully, before entering.
Create a recipe – then bake it! Of course, supervision is important in any and all activities that I would suggest. But, especially when it comes to using appliances, such as an oven. Who knows – you may actually have a budding chef under your roof! Did you know that AllRecipes.com offers a way to submit your own creations? Check it out hereAnd, KitchenChat.infohas a multitude of podcasts and recipes for novice and more experienced cooks to try!
Attention Young Authors! Break the winter blahs by inviting your kids to stir their creative writing talents and create a short story for submission. Due diligence is necessary as writing for publication is a tough journey. However, for those who want to venture on this path check out this article.
There are many great ways to keep kids who are “stuck” inside busy! Share your ideas below and remember to do your due diligence if submitting to any of the above websites. Good luck and Enjoy!
There are a lot of valuable lessons I learned while recently traveling to Japan. However, the Japanese culture for burials is one that fascinated me. Hubby and I spent quite a bit of time in Kyoto in a massive cemetery. This one was close to the Gion district in an area known as Higashiyama-Ku / Kiyomizu.
There is true beauty in the way that the Japanese organize their cemeteries. Like much of Japan, there are clean lines (architecturally), symbolism and a deep sense of tradition. I was taken aback by the amount of small gifts left at so many of the tombstones. From cups of green tea, flowers and even Saki bottles! Many had hanging Ojuzu (Buddhist prayer beads), as well. As a practicing Jew, I am accustomed to leaving stones at the gravestones of beloved family. But, a Saki bottle – well that kind of took me by surprise and frankly, made me smile.
I decided to learn about the Japanese customs for caring for their cemeteries. This was a very useful link, if you are so inclined to read more, too. ( Funerals, which I did not witness, is about honoring the deceased’s ancestry. )
I am pissed. (Sorry Mom, but I have to use this strong language)
I am pissed because our children are being bullied by the very people who should be protecting them, encouraging them and nurturing their endeavors. Who should be seeing that the futures of our youth are as bright as the sun and not dark as a storm looming.
I am pissed because we now live in a society where the children need to act as leaders and the leaders are acting like spoiled and bratty children.
I am pissed because teachers who walk in to schools every day to accomplish one goal… give each of their student’s the best education possible against all odds – now are being asked to engage in gun fights. Seriously! Are we the wild, wild west?!
I am pissed because when I travel abroad people ask me if I am embarrassed to be a citizen of the United States because of our leaders’ obvious lack of common sense and good judgment?!
I am pissed because our leaders are adding to the problem by deflecting blame versus putting their high paid education to use and creating sensible solutions.
I am pissed because our leaders are not doing their job by enacting any semblance of a comprehensive and well thought out plan, but act like the “Keystone Cops” with methods of bullying and worse.
I am pissed because I work in social media with the goal to use it to make a positive difference in the world, while others may be using it for destructive reasons. Anyone who works in social media and understands its’ power will tell you that some conversations are best left OFF the Twitterfeed and BEST to be done IRL (in real life).
I am pissed because my dear friend has to live a “new normal” – knowing that each day she and her daughter will remember how a shooter nearly took this young innocent teen’s life and succeeded in taking the lives of 17 of her classmates, including close friends.
I am pissed that children throughout our world go to bed and have nightmares that aren’t “bad dreams” but are due to their daytime reality.
I am pissed that the problems of our communities, country and world are so enormous that we don’t even know where to begin to make it better.
But… perhaps I am hopeful that the youth of our world may just have the answers that the adults in our world have refused to accept. So, I look forward to the day when each of these amazing kids can VOTE and get the naysayers who believe that their views are the only views OUT OF OFFICE and make their sentiments as obsolete as the negative and non-inclusive principles they cling to.
After nearly five years of attending these gifting suites I have become friendly with many of the Celebrity Connected staff and really admire their keen eye for picking out brands. Recently, they have increased the number of companies “with a purpose” – meaning those who have a desire to “give back” with a cause. I love meeting folks who truly care about making a difference!
