By Jessica Micallef
A Kyneton kindergarten is embracing a sign of the times.
Lady Brooks Kindergarten will teach Auslan to children in its kindergarten program until 2022.
Lady Brooks Auslan educator Sarah Buchanen said it was important for children to learn sign language, especially at a young age.
“It’s an expressive language,” she said. “It’s great to be able to express themselves and it’s a very visual communication – simple to pick up and it’s a very good language.
“It helps develop and express their language and pick up gesturing and gesturing through sign and it helps them connect to the outside world with all different people.
“I am very pleased to be involved with this new, exciting program here.”
The kindgarten is one of 160 across Victoria that will deliver the language program, which is part of a $17.9 million investment into the Early Childhood Language Program from the state government.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said it was great to see the program at Lady Brooks Kindergarten.
“Learning an additional language at kinder has many benefits, including increased reading, writing and problem-solving skills and strengthened brain development,” she said.
