Learning new ways to communicate
Port Neches-Groves sophomore Samantha Tentrup gives the sign for the word ‘color’ as she and classmates play a game of UNO during Mrs. Cozad’s American Sign Language class. Students playing the game could only communicate through sign language.
In Mrs. Brittany Cozad’s American Sign Language class, speaking when spoken to might appear different than in other rooms.
The first-year teacher is also the first-ever sign language instructor at PN-G.
A native of Frisco, Cozad’s journey with the language goes back to her junior year of high school.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” Cozad said. “But when I took ASL in high school, it was really fun with all of the different games and learning activities.”
One of the games and activities her students participate in is playing the card game, UNO, while only being permitted the use of sign language to communicate.
Students in Mrs. Cozad’s American Sign Language class play UNO while signing what cards they have as part of an in-class activity. Students are only allowed the use of sign language throughout the activity.
Another much more visible activity Cozad provided for her students was for them to translate the national anthem into sign language as it was sung by the choir prior to the Indians’ football games, including the game vs. Lindale at NRG Stadium in Houston.
“It was super scary signing in front of everybody, but it was also super cool,” freshman Libbie Guidry.
“(Sign language) is super interesting and a good thing to learn in life in case if I run into someone who is deaf.”
Others in Cozad’s class have career aspirations for their own ASL journey.
“I want to be an interpreter,” sophomore Samantha Tentrup said.
“I’ve wanted to do something with sign language since 8th grade.
“I met someone who was deaf and I just wanted to be able to talk to her and I want to be able to communicate with people.”
