This winter, students at both Garfield and Betsy Ross Elementary Schools are learning about American Sign Language (ASL) through an exciting collaboration between the art class and library. A project designed to build understanding, spark curiosity, and help students connect with the world around them.
The experience began when Ms. Bruzzini, Betsy Ross Art Teacher, and Mr. Hearn, Librarian, began discussing ways to collaborate around the topic of Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL). They introduced the book, She Heard Her Footsteps written by Brenda Schmidt and illustrated by Jill E. Stark. From there, the collaboration grew into a hands-on learning experience that blended art, literacy, and communication skills.
To bring the author and illustrator to life for students, Ms. Bruzzini looked up information about the illustrator and discovered a variety of videos connected to the book. Students viewed the illustrations, then watched videos where the illustrator teaches a new sign and demonstrates the process of creating each piece of artwork.
“We’re showing students there are many ways to learn; through art, books, and videos,” Ms. Bruzzini said. “That kind of access and exposure is powerful.”
Mr. Hearn expanded the learning in library class by reading the full story with students, discussing what it means to be deaf or hard of hearing, and introducing foundational ASL tools like the alphabet and key phrases. Students were especially excited to learn how to sign their names, a skill Mr. Hearn emphasized as both practical and respectful.
“They’re going to interact with community members who are either deaf or hard of hearing,” he explained. “Talking about and learning sign language in school will connect students in a way they wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.”
Beyond learning signs, both educators shared that the larger goal is student understanding. “When students are interested, it opens the door for them to keep learning and exploring,” Mr. Hearn said.
“I think being able to acknowledge differences between how people communicate is important,” Ms. Bruzzini said. “Our students are learning Spanish, we speak English in school, and ASL is another common language that is important to recognize.”
Together, this project is giving students meaningful exposure to a language and the diverse experiences of others, helping them build empathy, confidence, and curiosity.
As Mr. Hearn explained, the hope is that students walk away with a foundation so that later in life, these interactions feel familiar rather than confusing. “This is about building awareness early,” Mr. Hearn said. “Even if they don’t remember every sign, they’ll remember that this is a language and a way people communicate.”
“I love introducing students to living artists doing work in the world today,” Ms. Bruzzini said. “It helps students see that what they’re learning in school connects to real lives, real communities, and real stories.”