This book is essential and accessible reading for all teachers and professionals who are working with sign bilingual deaf children. It considers the background and theory underpinning current developments in sign bilingual education and the implications for policy and developing classroom practice. Practical teaching strategies are suggested and evaluated. The authors draw on their own experience of working in sign bilingual settings as well as current good practice and relevant research.

This book is the first UK book that describes sign bilingual education (beyond policy). It is also the first book to support sign bilingual practice dealing with current educational issues. The authors draw together relevant research and practice in sign bilingual education and present practical strategies for teachers.

Chapter 1 Introduction; Part 1 Background to Bilingualism; Chapter 2 An Introduction to Bilingualism; Chapter 3 The Development of Sign Bilingual Education; Chapter 4 Sign Bilingual Policy; Part 2 Early Years Context; Chapter 5 Pre-School Support; Chapter 6 The Sign Bilingual Nursery/Foundation Stage Department; Part 3 The Classroom Context; Chapter 7 Language Use in Sign Bilingual Classrooms; Chapter 8 Sign Bilingual Approaches to Literacy Development; Chapter 9 Sign Bilingual Deaf Children's Approaches to Writing; Chapter 10 Promoting Learning and Access to the Curriculum; Part 4 The Current Scene; Chapter 11 Current Issues;