This Class Learnt Sign Language So They Could Communicate With Their Deaf Friend
A class of six-year-old pupils have all been hard at work learning sign language - just so they could communicate with a deaf student.
Zejd Coralic, from Sarajevo, Bosnia, moved from a specialist school to a standard one last year but was unhappy after discovering he and his new pals couldn’t speak to each other.
But rather than see the boy suffer in silence as those around him communicated, teacher Sanela Ljumanovic decided that the whole class should learn sign language.
Communicating: The class are now able to speak to Zejd (AP/Amel Emric)
Now, three months on, the pupils in the class at Osman Nakas primary school have got to grips with the basics and can converse with their deaf friend.
Zejd’s mother says her son is no longer upset when he goes to school in the morning.
She said: “Zejd looks forward to going to school… now he is happy and motivated.”
Tarik Sijaric, one of Zejd’s best friends, added: “I like to learn Zejd’s language so I can talk to him and to other deaf people. It is fun.”
Lessons: The teacher is now hoping sign language will be part of the curriculum (AP/Amel Emric)
The pupils are so into learning sign language that some have started teaching their parents when they get home.
Teacher Sanela said: “We are all happy as we are learning a new language.
“The goal, however, is also to teach Zejd to read lips… he is a good kid, a smart kid.”
Zejd’s teacher now hopes to get sign language added to the curriculum so that children become more aware of those with disabilities.
Top pic: AP/Amel Emric
