Celebrating International Day of Sign Languages!
Attention Students, Teachers, and Families:
Today is September 23, officially recognized around the world as the International Day of Sign Languages! This special day celebrates the rich linguistic identity and cultural diversity of Deaf people everywhere. Here at Oakridge Elementary, we believe that communication connects us all, and we are excited to spend today exploring the beauty of visual languages.
Did you know that there are more than 300 different sign languages used across the globe? Just like spoken languages, sign languages have their own unique grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures. In the United States and Canada, many people use American Sign Language (ASL). Today, our school community will participate in several fun activities to learn more about how hands, facial expressions, and body language can tell stories and share ideas.
Schedule of Special Events for Today:
- linguistic:
- Relating to language and the way words or signs are structured.
- diversity:
- A variety of different people, ideas, or things represented together.
- motto:
- A short phrase or sentence chosen to express the beliefs or ideals of a school or group.
- demonstration:
- An act of showing someone how something works or how to do something.
- expressions:
- Looks on a person's face that show what they are feeling or thinking.
- inclusion:
- The practice of making sure everyone is welcomed, respected, and involved.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Fact & Opinion
Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the main purpose of this school announcement?
- 2According to the passage, what features do sign languages share with spoken languages?
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About this announcement passage for Upper Elementary
“Celebrating International Day of Sign Languages!” is a announcement reading passage about Sign Language, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (278 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.