Sign Language

Sign language is a complete visual language that uses handshapes, movement, facial expression and body language instead of spoken words. In the UK, the main one is British Sign Language, or BSL, used by many Deaf people, their families and friends. It has its own grammar and word order, different from English, and it's officially recognised as a language in its own right.

No, and that surprises lots of people. Different countries have their own sign languages. British Sign Language and American Sign Language are quite different, even though both countries speak English. One easy way to spot the difference is fingerspelling, where you spell out words letter by letter. BSL uses both hands for its alphabet, while American Sign Language uses just one. BSL even has regional accents, so some signs change from one part of the UK to another.

Your Activity Leader starts with the fingerspelling alphabet, so you can spell your own name. Then you learn everyday signs, like hello, how old you are and how you're feeling, from happy and excited to tired and hungry. Colours come next, which children often love to test on each other. To finish, you put it all together by signing along to a well-known song, which is a joyful way to remember what you've learned.

Yes, and children often pick up signs remarkably quickly. Signing is visual and physical, so it suits curious minds and busy hands. It's a lovely way to learn together as a family, and a secret way to chat across a noisy room. Most importantly, it helps children understand that not everyone communicates in the same way, and gives them the confidence to say hello to a Deaf friend or classmate in their own language.

In BSL, your face does a lot of the talking. Raised eyebrows can turn a sign into a question, and your expression shows whether something is big or small, good or bad. So don't be shy about pulling faces. It's all part of speaking the language properly, and it makes signing a song together even more fun.

You might also like Pop Choir, Woodland Theatre and African Harmonies.

See all Camp Kindling activities