Programmes at Happy Hands School for the Deaf
1) Parents–Infant Programme (0–3 years)
Aim: Prevent language deprivation by starting early.
What we do: Provide counselling to parents of young deaf children, share available options, and guide them to make the best decision. Many parents remain unaware, leading to language deprivation during the critical years of development.
Outcomes: Awareness about language deprivation, promotion of sign language as a natural option for growth, and helping parents envision a positive future for their child.
2) Early Childhood Language Acquisition (3–6 years)
Aim: Build a rich first language base in ISL and prepare for emergent literacy.
What we do: Story-signing, concept games, visual phonology activities, print awareness, fine–gross motor play, and social routines—fully accessible in ISL.
Outcomes: Strong ISL foundation, early reading behaviours, and readiness for LKG/UKG.
3) Primary Programme (LKG–Class 5)
Approach: Bimodal bilingualism (ISL + English). ISL provides access; English literacy is built through meaning-first methods.
Curriculum: NCERT-aligned Math, EVS/Science, Social Studies, Hindi/Regional exposure, Art, PE.
Methods: Activity-based learning, cross-curricular “learning journeys,” English Grammar Games, individualized learning plans (IEPs).
Assessment: Concept checks in ISL, portfolio work, and periodic literacy benchmarks.
4) Upper Primary Programme (Class 6–8)
Focus: Academic depth and independent learning.
Curriculum: NCERT-aligned with STEM labs, project work, research posters, and Moodle-supported assignments.
Digital Learning: Computer lab with guided internet use, typing, presentations, and safe digital citizenship.
Outcomes: Grade-level competence, study skills, and readiness for secondary school.
5) Well-Being, Health & Life Skills (Classes 3–8)
Scope: Physical education, nutrition, hygiene, reproductive health (age-appropriate), first aid, mental health, and social–emotional learning in ISL.
Outcomes: Confident, informed learners with practical life skills.
6) Co-Curricular: Sports, Arts & Eco-Campus
What we do: Team sports, visual arts, theatre-in-sign, gardening, and sustainability projects (solar, waste management, water harvesting).
Outcomes: Teamwork, creativity, and environmental stewardship.
7) Teacher Training & Professional Development
Audience: Deaf and hearing educators, teaching assistants, and externs.
Offerings: Short courses on bilingual pedagogy, ISL classroom discourse, assessment in ISL, curriculum adaptation, and use of Moodle/ed-tech.
Pathways: Trainee Teaching Assistant → Teaching Assistant → Teacher of the Deaf (with mentoring, lesson study, and practicum).
Outcome: A growing cadre of Deaf-led, ISL-fluent teachers.
8) Family Education & Community Outreach
Parent Workshops: ISL for families, home literacy kits, study routines, rights & entitlements.
Support: Individual counselling and transition planning.
