summarize

[Tini Pel]

Hello Valerie, so good to "hear" from you again. I really missed you on the
list.

You ask us to write a report summarizing the use of Sign Writing in 2002.
Well in comparison to others it might be very little but here it is.
Sign Writing has been used along side a video tape for an Art Exhibition by
Ann Cunningham
I have done the Sign writing transcription from the video tape for her.
 Through transcribing several poems for the poem website of Jerry Spillman,
I have learned a lot with the help of Stefan Woehrmann.
I am still in the process of introducing it to the deaf and Hard of hearing
in our neighbourhood. Most of them are already expressing themselves in
their second language, French or English and are not to much interested in
learning Sign Writing. I think, life is so busy ,they do not have enough
time to really sit down and have a good look at it.
 Since I am not a professional school teacher I do not get in touch with
deaf and hard of hearing students in the school system were they are trying
to teach the children to speak or learn to write in English or French.
 Along the Sign Language I am teaching Sign Writing to our students of
L.I.F.E. It became easier when we were donated a computer. We are now
working on a "book". The children are writing there own stories in Sign
Writing. We hope by the end of our sessions in May 2003 to have something to
show you.
 With the help of Stefan we have made posters of the name signs of some of
the students. You may remember the smiling pictures we have send you after
they were finished.

Sign Writing has helped me to learn more vocabulary in ASL. It has also
enriched my life with the corresponding of more people and the children of
other schools, specially during 9-11 when the children of  New Mexico and
Germany were corresponding with our children.

My wish is, if that could be continued. What do you think Teachers or
parents? Could we start again. I know you all have to finish a curriculum at
the end of a school year, but isn't this a GOOD practice for all of us,
young and old alike??????
I am still in the process of finishing a translation in ASL and Sign
writing, a children's bed time story and I hope to have it ready by this
year.

I like to close by saying, that it is so WONDERFUL  to be in touch with you
again Valerie. You have helped me so much during my days of the dance
notation and now with the Sign Writing!!!!
The above may not be a "historic documentation" Valerie but an expression of
thankfulness for what you have done with your work!!!!
L.I.F.E.
Tini.