Unit Overview

Language Skills and Strategies in Focus: Speaking, Listening, Pronunciation Skills

Age & Level: Teenager/High School Age; Level B2 (Per CEFR Levels)

Length of Lessons: 80-90 Minutes

Unit Summary

This unit offers an engaging introduction to the Deaf community in the United States, where students will begin learning essential everyday vocabulary important to the Deaf Community. In addition to exploring the everyday experiences of Deaf individuals and where accommodations are often lacking, students will also gain an understanding of the distinction between 'deaf' and 'Deaf,' deepening their awareness of Deaf culture and identity.

ABOUT THE CREATORS:

This unit was created by Kasondra Goodreau, Katrina Smoot, and Samantha Quijano, who all identify as hearing. Our goal with this unit is not to teach ASL or to speak on behalf of the Deaf Community. Rather, we aim to educate more hearing people about a diverse community that is often overlooked. We hope students will apply what they learn from this unit to connect more meaningfully with Deaf individuals and advocate for change in support of minority groups.

Lesson 1

Inclusion In Action

This lesson introduces vocabulary words related to Deaf Culture and provides insight on Deaf experiences and struggles when it comes to a lack of equal access in their daily life activities such as going through the drive through and more. This lesson focuses on speaking by challenging students to write a script and role-play a situation in front of the class to encourage them to confidently use their voice and speak. This lesson also introduces a final project which will encourage students to create a non-profit organization advocating for equal access for the Deaf.

Lesson 2

Exploring Diverse Learning Environments

This lesson continues to introduce new vocabulary words known in the Deaf Culture and provides information on Deaf education and unequal access to resources and accommodations in mainstream schools. The lesson also touches on typical schooling options offered to Deaf students. This lesson focuses on pronunciation, students will be creating a presentation through padlet focusing on rising intonation and pronunciation when describing a school.

Lesson 3

Advocating for Deaf-Accessible Healthcare

This lesson continues to introduce new vocabulary words known in the Deaf culture and talks about common issues due to lack of accessibility found in healthcare and hospitals provided for Deaf patients. This lesson focuses on listening and involves students analyzing and becoming more aware of the difficult situations Deaf patients face than can often lead to trauma. They will also take down notes about what they see and engage in class discussions. After the activities students will do their final check in for their final project before presenting.

Our Teacher's Tool Kit

Here additional resources for educators who plan on utilizing one or all of these lessons. This included external links to additional websites and PDF document to each individual lesson plan.

Go to Teacher's Tool Kit