A common problem that we face mostly with younger kids (4–18) is the lack of any understanding of questions. For the most part, they know that they are being asked a question and that I am expecting some sort of reply but… exactly what kind of question; that is up to their interpretation. The two questions we have the hardest time with are “who” and “what”. The school does not teach the difference between these two signs here and therefore they attempt to learn their meanings by watching other kids use them. Of course, this leads to a problem when the kids around them don’t know how to use them either.

It seems like such a simple concept, “who” and “what” and yet it seems to take months to master. Here we are giving Billy a crash course in their meaning (this is after I got sick of him pointing at the Bible and asking “who???”. We were able to get a basic understanding down by asking whether things have a heart beat or not. If they do, it is a “who” question, if not it is a “what” question. This is only a crude outline of their meanings but at least it is a first step in the right direction. I think the best part is when he still catches himself mid-sentence and corrects his “who” for a “what” or vice versa.

He is really advanced for his age considering what is normal for this area. Most of this is due to the fact that he was put into school here at the age of 4. Most kids don’t start going till 6 or 7, I even know one that didn’t start going to school till he was 13 because his parents couldn’t afford it. The fact that he’s had 4 years of education (albeit poor) and 4 years of association with other deaf means his ability to think and reason is better developed than most his age.

The recent release of the Great Teacher book into sign language has been an incredible blessing since this has been the first tool we have available to us that truly targets children and their ability to learn. He has been doing well in his study, as you can see, we were talking about the transfiguration in the first chapter of the book and he definitely knows who Jesus is!

His other favorite thing to do after we study is unlock the car and remove the wheel lock, it is quite funny to watch! Don’t worry though, I haven’t taught him how to start it or put it in gear (come on now, that would just be irresponsible!!!)