As our students continue to impress us with their innovative thinking and creative output, Brother Martin continues to expand the course offerings each year to challenge our students. New to our academic curriculum this year, Brother Martin is offering an American Sign Language (ASL) elective course for seniors only. Mr. Patrick McClain and Mr. Andrew Nicola are teaching the class and both have unique backgrounds that connect them to sign language.
The ASL course will focus on the basic lexicon and structure of ASL. Appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and social behavior will be introduced to develop conversational skills in ASL. Information about the deaf community and culture will be introduced. The course is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of ASL, and the course instruction is primarily in ASL.
When you pass their classroom, you will be amazed at the power of signing. Mr. McClain and Mr. Nicola teach the course in complete silence, only utilizing sign language. The students are then challenged to mimic, learn, and reply solely in sign language. As silent as the room seems, the learning and depth of communication are powerful sights to see.