SignDNA is keen to ensure that the resources on the archive can be used in the teaching and learning of NZ Deaf history and culture. We have created six lesson plans that can guide learners through some themes within the archive, such as language change, Deaf gatherings, and Deaf in the media. We would like to create more in the future to support people in getting the most from the rich information on the archive. We welcome feedback on our lesson plans, or if you have relevant lesson plans that you would like to donate to this section of the archive, please let us know.

Lesson Plan 1: Deaf Spaces

Download: Lesson 1 – Deaf Spaces

Students will search for examples of Deaf people getting together in social settings and discuss why such gatherings are important for social connection and Deaf culture.

Lesson Plan 2: Changes in the Deaf Community – Communication and Language

Download Lesson Plan 2: Changes in the Deaf Community – Communication and Language

Students will be learning about the different styles of communication and language used by Deaf people in New Zealand over the last 100 years. They will understand what each of these modes means and what impact each may have on communication. They will learn about the basic history milestones of Deaf communication in New Zealand.

Lesson Plan 3: Changes in the Deaf Community – TC and NZSL

Download Lesson Plan 3: Changes in the Deaf Community – TC and NZSL

Students will learn in greater detail the difference between Total Communication and NZSL, and begin to appreciate their respective uses.

Lesson Plan 4: Language and Deaf Pride

Download Lesson Plan 4: Language and Deaf Pride

Students will be introduced to concepts of language status, and identify examples of differing language behaviour among Deaf people, and discuss the possible reasons for those changes, including oppression and identity.

Lesson Plan 5: Deaf in the Media – Creating Perceptions

Download Lesson Plan 5: Deaf in the Media – Creating Perceptions

Students will understand how Deaf have historically been portrayed in the media, and the language used to describe them; and search for examples of media coverage of Deaf people from various time periods and discuss how the portrayal can affect society’s perception of them as a group.

Lesson Plan 6: Deaf in the Media – Emerging Deaf Pride

Download Lesson Plan 6: Deaf in the Media – Emerging Deaf Pride

Students will watch a TV media article from 1994 “A Deafening Silence” that attempts to portray a range of Deaf issues during a time of Deaf cultural change. Students will discuss the issues raised while also critically analysing the media depiction of those issues.

Relevant Links

Watch Us People of the Eye Talking Hands, Listening Eyes

NZ Deaf History: Classroom lesson plans

Relevant Links