Going to the library for summer storytelling is a great way to spend time with your kids, but for those who are deaf, the options are limited. This is why the Sherman Public Library has launched American Sign Language Story Time, bringing this same wonderful activity to children who wouldn’t be able to hear it otherwise.
Peyton Kuhr is a 4-year-old from Sherman, Texas, who was born mild-to-moderately deaf. Jordan Kuhr, Peyton’s mother, has stated, “It’s been a hard transition from being a normal family, communicating normally, to then learning a whole new language.” It’s also been difficult for the family to find activities that Peyton can do – something deaf education teacher Analynn Bartlett has seen as well. “I know in bigger districts in bigger cities, they have different opportunities where kids can get together and just socialize and be with kids like them,” she explained, which is why she partnered with the Sherman Public Library to develop the new program. Through American Sign Language story time, Bartlett is able to bring words to life for children who are hard of hearing or deaf.
