ROCKPORT — Five Town CSD Adult and Community Education will be holding two American Sign Language classes beginning April 6. American Sign Language is one of the most used languages in the U.S. It is a visual language with its own grammar, gestures, and syntax. American Sign Language can help you communicate better in a new way, using your eyes and hands. In addition, if you need to know ASL in order to communicate better with a friend, family member, client, student or employee, this is a perfect opportunity for you.

Instructor Carrie Pierce is certified by the American Sign Language Teachers Association, the State of Maine (for Early Childhood Special Education and Deaf Education), and has both Bachelors and Masters degrees from Gallaudet University. She enjoys teaching ASL to people of all ages and travels all over the state teaching ASL in schools and universities.

American Sign Language for the Family is for families interested in learning sign language together. A variety of instructional methods will be used including hands-on activities, short lectures, learning stations and group/partner work. Carrie will cover introductions, colors, ABC's, numbers, action words, family, food and time signs. Voice will not be used throughout much of this class but instead, participants will rely on different strategies to communicate. This class is suitable for children
aged 5-12 accompanied by their adult family member. Children must be able to sit for at least 15 minutes at a time and follow rules. Parents are required to remain with their children during the entire class, preferably the same parent each week, to support the learning process and to build on language skills developed the week before. For this class, please indicate the parent/s who will be in attendance and the ages of the children when registering. This class meets for eight weeks from 5-6:15 p.m. Wednesday's beginning April 6 (no class on April 20).

American Sign Language for Everyone is for students who are a young adult and older.

Carrie will cover basic sign language in this class where no voice will be used. This class is rigorous, but fun, and you will come away with new knowledge about ASL and the deaf community. This class meets for eight weeks from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning April 6 (no class on April 20).

Both classes are at Camden Hills Regional High School, 25 Keelson Dr., Rockport.

For more information or to sign up contact adult ed at fivetowns.maineadulted.org or 236-7800, ext. 5.