Children in East Renfrewshire will be able to learn British Sign Language (BSL) as part of a free course starting next month.
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure (ERCL) will offer the Storytelling with BSL course, with experienced tutors helping youngsters aged between nine and 12.
The classes, which will be suitable for deaf and hearing children alike, will take place at Williamwood High School, in Clarkston, and there will then be an opportunity for youngsters to take part in a week-long course at Eastwood Park Theatre, in Giffnock, where they can use their BSL skills to create a piece of theatre.
It is hoped the course, which is being supported by funding from Creative Scotland, will run again in the new year.
Graham Dow, BSL tutor, told the Barrhead News: “Projects like this are crucial to bridging the communication gap between deaf and hearing communities and teach about deaf culture, as well as how beautiful British Sign Language is.
“Communication through storytelling has been happening for generations, so it’s fitting that we are able to use stories as a teaching tool.
“The children will be learning the basics of sign language and will be able to learn how the deaf communities tell stories.
“We aim to bring sign language to schools in the near future and being involved in this project should pave the way for that.”
The BSL course is part of a new programme of activities being run by ERCL, which also includes more than 100 sports classes for children.
Eastwood Park Theatre’s popular Saturday drama class for youngsters aged five to 12 is also making a return, with children’s art classes, delivered by expert tutors, available too.
Adults can choose from a range of activities, including everything from walking football to a watercolour class for beginners.
For more details, visit www.ercultureandleisure.org.
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