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Thumbs Up! An Introduction to New Zealand Sign Language

Thumbs Up! An Introduction to New Zealand Sign Language is a resource designed for students in years 7–8 working at curriculum levels 1 and 2. The resource supports the teaching and learning of NZSL as an additional language in English-medium schools.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is used by members of New Zealand’s Deaf community and those linked with this community, including hearing people who have Deaf relatives or interpreters who work with Deaf people.

NZSL and the NZC

New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006 

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is an official language of New Zealand and is recognised in The New Zealand Curriculum (2007).

New Zealand Sign Language Week

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week is celebrated every year during May.

NZSL Week is organised by Deaf Aotearoa to raise awareness of the language and culture of New Zealand’s Deaf community. 

NZ Curriculum Online | NZ Sign language week – has a range of resources and ideas to help you celebrate this language week at your school.

The International Week of the Deaf is 20-26 September and the United Nations International Day of Sign Languages is held on 23 September. 

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