Signalong training focuses on developing communication skills rather than teaching blocks of signs. This is different to British Sign Language (BSL) training and other sign supported communication training that teach lots of signs in one go that are often quickly forgotten through lack of use.
The way Signalong is taught makes it easier to remember signs and to look up new ones when you need them. Training focuses on how to use sign-supported communication in real life, including:
- using facial expression, body language and tone of voice
- keeping language simple and choosing key words
- understanding signs used by other people
Training Courses in Sign-supported Communication
Signalong delivers a range of in-person and online courses to organisations wanting to train a group and for more in-depth training. For individual training or shorter staff training, please email one of our Tutors in your area here. Tutor Training can only be delivered by Signalong, to enquire about becoming a Tutor, please email tracygoode@signalong.org.uk.
Workshops
Workshops are a useful way to introduce communication skills to new staff and family members and can be flexible and tailored to an organisation's needs. They focus on practical communication skills and using signs in real situations. These can be a full day or a half day.
2 Hour Poster Workshops
We currently offer two 2-hour poster workshops: Seasons & Days and Play. Each workshop includes a brief introduction to Signalong methodology, followed by teaching vocabulary from six posters, enabling participants to learn approximately 70 signs.
½ Day Workshop
½ day workshops are often topic based, depending on the needs of the group. We cover a brief history, philosophy and methodology of Signalong before teaching approximately 100 key words, but you will learn the necessary skills to read and produce any sign in our range of over 70 manuals. We will also provide activities to put the vocabulary into context i.e sentence practice, plays etc.
8 Hour Introductory
This course goes a little deeper and includes generalisation, symbolic understanding and key word activities.
Foundation
A Foundation Course develops skills to a level where practitioners can apply signing in their own environment and includes some elements of communication theory. It is a 15-hour course normally delivered over an extended period and is the basic building block of Signalong training. This is our most popular course and is usually delivered over a 10-week period and covers the whole of the vocabulary in the chosen Signalong manual (often the Phase 1 manual which has approximately 360 signs).
Tutor Training
Tutor Training is a comprehensive 4-day training course for people who have experience of singing in the context of learning difficulties, autism or the particular field in which they need to use augmentative communication.
During the course, Signalong methodology is explored, elements of language development are discussed and participants have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of teaching techniques and theory by preparing and delivering several presentations.
Tutor Training is delivered by Senior Tutors. To find out more, click here.
