pd4me:

Hi Fleur, I've found that repitition is a good way to improve the production - its similar to practicing the scales on an imaginary piano, but of course you would be 'talking' to yourself. For reception dont focus your attention too much on the fingers (sounds odd I know) but keep looking at the face whilst still having the fingerspelling in view - you would be surprised by how many times I get a word by seeing the first, last and middle letters and the rest from the lip-pattern or context. I hope that helps and good luck with your exam. Best wishes Tracey Pycroft (South Wales)

Thank You Tracey, thats helpful.

Yesterday While in Cardiff, I spoke with Sue Williams, one of the Apprentice Interpreters based in Neath. She gave me some information from RNID Level 4 on fingerspelling. If people would like a copy, it contains info on History of fingerspelling, practise and useful tips, please reply with an email address I will sort it out then.

Karen Woosnam also an Apprentice Interpreter based in Mold, suggest to practsie fingerspelling to a song you know to get the pattern with the beat. ie. Happy Birthday to You.

I will let you know if these work (or you try these tips, please post a reply so that others can see if they work and try them)

Fleur

Okay I had a go at fingerspelling a song. I choose a slow one and also did not spell out every word. as I repaeat the verse My speed improved and timing of spelling to word also got better. But I thought that 45 mins of solid fingerspelling was enough. I plan to have another go, see if able to improve on it and if any easier, if this works try another song.

Fleur~:-)

I know it is like the Fleur forum but I have found a website which can practise receptive fingerspelling, it you want the link, send me your email and I will pass it on to you

Fleur;-)

Well done Fleur, sounds as if you're working hard at it. I'm sure you'll find it will be worth it.

Sue Williams

Hi Fleur, just found this site today. I practise fingerspelling by trying to spell the names on the credits of a tv programme. I will follow some of the tips left on this forum and see how I get on. I would be keen to know the websites that you have found please.

Hi Fleur,
I've been on a three month time warp! You mentioned you had recieved info from sue i know it's back in June last year but I will be very grateful if you can e-mail me
anything you have on fingerspelling!!

Hi Fleur

I also would like some tips on how to improve receiving fingerspelling.

Anyone got any good tips on how to reduce too much mouth pattern? I have practised signing without using any and this is fine, no problems, but as soon as I get to Deaf club and relax, I am back in to my old bad habits

Hi Angela and Julie

Do you want copies of the info I have. It will be paper format as I have that copy

So let me know and I will get it out to you

Fleur