Category Archives: Resources for Teachers and Librarians

Summer Signs for Storytime

American Sign Language, eCourses and Webinars, Professional Development, Resources for Teachers and Librarians, webinars
Illustrations of a sun, watermelon, beach ball, sunglasses, beach umbrella, and flip-flops appear against a green background. Text reads: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 12-1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10-11 AM Mountain/9-10 AM Pacific. Includes recording access. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars
Little Hands Signing in Storytime: Summer Signs

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 12-1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10-11 AM Mountain/9-10 AM Pacific

Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access for 30 days.

Learn basic American Sign Language and extension activities to use in summer storytimes! Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way. Certificate of completion available with successful completion of post-test.

Pricing:

  • Individual: 45.00 (includes live webinar and recording access for 30 days after the live event)
  • Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for more information.
  • Optional Add-on: Individualized video feedback: 25.00. Submit a video (up to 10 min) demonstrating your planned signing activities for storytime and receive individualized feedback on sign choices, production, and more from Kathy MacMillan via return video within 14 days. Must be used within 6 months of purchase.

Register now

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New series from Familius Press: SIGN THE SEASONS!

American Sign Language, board books, Resources for Teachers and Librarians, Sign the Seasons series

I am so excited to finally share my new board book series with the world!

Sign the Seasons introduces babies and toddlers to early communication through the sights and traditions of the seasons. Each book features 8 essential American Sign Language signs in a simple, story-driven context.  With warm illustrations by Ekaterina Ladatko and clear signing instructions, children and caregivers can learn and practice together, turning everyday moments into opportunities for connection and language development. Perfect for families and early learning settings, the Sign the Seasons series blends seasonal fun with meaningful skill-building for little learners.

 

cover of Sign the Seasons: Fall

Sign the Seasons: Fall

Coming August 4, 2026

by Kathy MacMillan

Illustrated by Ekaterina Ladatko

ASL/Deaf Culture Advisor: Tanya Daniels

Early Childhood Education Advisor: Louise Rollins

 

“What a beautiful book! The illustrations wrap around the reader like a warm hug after a chilly fall day. This book will be perfect for anyone looking to learn about sign language for fall. I can see this being used and loved in homes, classrooms, libraries, and bookstores for interactive storytimes where children practice their motor skills and celebrate the season.” – Tracy C. Gold, author of Everyone’s Sleepy but the Baby

Preorder now at Deaf Camps, Inc. Bookstore (autographed copies that support a great cause!)  |  Bookshop.org  |  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Familius

 

Sign the Seasons: Winter

Coming November 3, 2026.

 

Sign the Seasons: Spring

Coming February 2027.

 

Sign the Seasons: Summer

Coming May 2027.

Celebrate Women’s History Month in the Classroom!

Extras, Resources for Teachers and Librarians, She Spoke, She Spoke Too, videos

Since 1987, March has been designated as Women’s History Month in the United States of America.

Check out the She Spoke series to learn about amazing women who fought for change–and hear their inspiring words, in their own voices, with the touch of a button. Click on the image below to learn more about the books, and on the links below for lots of resources to help you share these books in the classroom.

She Spoke  She Spoke Too cover

She Spoke Word Search (printable .pdf)  |  She Spoke Word Search answer key (printable .pdf)

Speak Up! Listen Up!: Using She Spoke in the Classroom: guest post at Pencil Tips: Writing Workshop Strategies from Children’s Authors and Illustrators

She Spoke Pinterest board – More links, clips, and recordings of the amazing women profiled in the book and more heroines you should know.

She Spoke Too: Amplifying Voices of Change (Familius Podcast)

She Spoke Too Word Search (printable .pdf)  |  She Spoke Too Word Search answer key (printable .pdf)

Book now for Summer Reading 2026!

American Sign Language, Resources for Teachers and Librarians, summer reading

The Collaborative Summer Reading Theme for 2026 is: Unearth a Story/Desentierra una Historia.

Stories by Hand has you covered with a high-energy, interactive program for multiple age groups:

I Dig American Sign Language. Book now for summer reading 2026! Let’s dig deep and learn basic American Sign Language for dinosaurs, diggers, and the things we love through stories, songs, and more! StoriesByHand.com/summerreading

I Dig American Sign Language

Let’s dig deep and learn basic American Sign Language for dinosaurs, diggers, and the things we love through stories, songs, and more! Presented by Kathy MacMillan, author of the Little Hands Signing series and Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together.

This program can be presented as an all-ages program or adapted to a baby, toddler, preschooler, or school-age audience.

Indoor, outdoor, and online programs available.

  • Single program (45 minutes): $500 plus travel expenses.
  • Additional same-day sessions: $400 plus travel expenses.

Book a program for Summer 2026 by February 1, 2026 and get 15% off the single program rate!

Maryland libraries: ask about FREE programming with Arts in Education grant funding!

Availability calendar

Complete booking details

Interested in a different program theme? Check out all program offerings here.