Every year on April 13, families across Australia have a special reason to celebrate—Auslan Day!
This day is all about recognising and enjoying Australian Sign Language (Auslan), the language used by the Australian Deaf community. It’s a perfect opportunity for parents and kids to learn something new, bond over fun activities, and promote inclusivity in everyday life.
Being a parent and a motherhood blogger who loves working with family and children, I also feel that we need to spread the great words of Auslan Day to the world and help our families and children in the Deaf communities.
Learn Australian Sign Language with this fun Auslan Mini Topics for Tots.
What Is Auslan Day and Why Should Your Family Celebrate?
So, for the curious minds, you’re probably wondering, “What is Auslan Day?”
Auslan Day marks a very important moment in history—the publication of the very first Auslan dictionary on April 13, 1989. This dictionary, compiled by Professor Trevor Johnston, was a groundbreaking work that gave Australia’s Deaf community a proper name and recognition for their unique language.
Just two years later, in 1991, Auslan was officially recognised as a community language. Today, Auslan Day isn’t just a day for celebrating a dictionary; it’s a day for celebrating a vibrant language, a rich culture, and the strong sense of community that comes with it.
For families, Auslan Day is a chance to explore a whole new way of communicating together. Whether you’re already familiar with sign language or are just starting out, learning a few basic signs can open up a world of fun and meaningful interactions with your child.
If you’d like to learn more about the history and importance of Auslan Day, check out Deaf Australia’s Auslan Day page for a friendly, informative guide.
The Family History Behind Auslan Day
The history of Auslan is filled with beautiful stories of innovation and community spirit.
In the 19th century, various sign languages brought to Australia by immigrants blended over time to form what we now know as Auslan. Early Deaf schools, like the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children and the Victorian College for the Deaf, played a huge role in nurturing this unique language.
A major milestone came in 1989 when Professor Trevor Johnston published the first Auslan dictionary. This event not only recorded the signs but also celebrated the language as an essential part of Australian culture. For families, understanding this history can be a fun journey—one that shows how languages evolve and how communities come together to preserve their identity.
For an easy-to-read history lesson, take a look at the Wikipedia page on Auslan which offers plenty of family-friendly insights.
Why Auslan Day Matters for Families
Celebrating Auslan Day can bring several benefits to your family:
• Family Bonding: Learning Auslan together can be a wonderful way to bond with your children. It creates a shared experience and a secret language that only your family speaks!
• Inclusive Communication: By picking up basic signs, you’re not just learning a new language—you’re also promoting a message of inclusivity. It’s a gentle reminder that everyone’s way of communicating is valuable.
• Fun Learning: Children love interactive, hands-on activities. Auslan Day is a chance to mix education with fun, whether it’s through games, storytelling, or creative arts.
• Cultural Awareness: As parents, introducing your kids to different cultures helps build empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Auslan is a window into the rich culture of the Deaf community in Australia.
• Support for the Deaf Community: Participating in Auslan Day helps support the efforts to give sign language the recognition it deserves. It’s a way to stand with the Deaf community and celebrate their language as a key part of Australia’s cultural heritage.
For more insights on how Auslan Day helps build a more inclusive society, check out Expression Australia’s feature on Auslan Day.
Fun Auslan Day Activities for Families
Here are some exciting ideas to celebrate Auslan Day at home or in your community:
1. Learn Basic Signs Together
Start with simple greetings and everyday words. Teach your kids how to sign “hello,” “thank you,” and even their names using fingerspelling. Learning together can be as fun as a game—challenge each other to a sign-off contest or even create a little family routine in Auslan!
• Resource Tip: Try exploring some free resources like those on Teach Starter’s Auslan Teaching Collection for flashcards and lesson plans that are perfect for beginners.
2. Host a Family Auslan Workshop
Turn your living room into a mini workshop. You can find video lessons on YouTube that are designed for kids and parents alike. Watch and practice along together. This can be a regular family activity, not just on Auslan Day!
• Video Suggestion: Check out fun Auslan videos on Deaf Connect’s YouTube channel to see native signers in action.
3. Interactive Games and Storytelling
Let’s make learning fun with games like “Simon Says” using Auslan commands or a matching game with flashcards that show common signs.
Alternatively, try telling a favorite story using Auslan. You could even ask your child to help you come up with a short story where you both use some signs!
4. Auslan Crafting and Creative Projects
Encourage your kids to get creative by making Auslan-themed crafts. Create your own Auslan alphabet posters, or even design a “Happy Auslan Day” banner to hang up in your home. These projects are a great way to reinforce learning and allow kids to express themselves artistically.
5. Social Media Family Challenge
Why not share your family’s journey with Auslan? Take a selfie or a short video of your family signing a simple phrase, and share it on social media with hashtags like #AuslanDay and #LearnAuslan. This not only celebrates your efforts but also spreads awareness among friends and extended family.
• Resource Tip: For fun digital assets, visit the Deaf Lottery Auslan Day page where you can download social media frames and banners.
6. Attend Local Auslan Events
Keep an eye out for community events or workshops in your area. Many local Deaf organisations host family-friendly events on Auslan Day. These gatherings are a great opportunity to meet others, learn from experienced signers, and see how Auslan is celebrated in a community setting.
Enjoy the endless fun with these Auslan Sign Language Flash Cards.
How to Make Auslan a Part of Everyday Family Life
Even after Auslan Day, consider making sign language a regular part of your family’s communication. Here are a few tips to incorporate Auslan into your daily routine:
• Daily Greetings: Start the day with a family greeting in Auslan. A simple “good morning” in sign language can become a cherished ritual.
• Meal Times: Use mealtime as an opportunity to sign simple words like “more,” “finished,” or even name the foods on the table.
• Homework Help: If your child is learning in school, use Auslan to support their learning. Sign together during reading or counting activities to make homework time more engaging.
• Story Time: Integrate Auslan into your bedtime stories. Choose picture books that include sign language or simply use Auslan to add an extra layer of interaction during story time.
Teach your babies in need Auslan with these beautifully designed Baby Sign Language Flash Cards.
Resources and Further Reading for Families
To support your family’s Auslan learning journey, here are some great resource links:
• Deaf Australia – Auslan Day: Learn more about the origins of Auslan Day and find family-friendly activities and resources. Visit Deaf Australia
• Deaf Connect – Community Resources: Find engaging videos and materials that can help your family learn Auslan together. Explore Deaf Connect
• Expression Australia – Why is Auslan Day? A helpful article that explains the significance of Auslan Day in an easy-to-read format for parents. Read more on Expression Australia
• Wikipedia – Auslan: For those curious about more detailed history and cultural context, check out the Wikipedia page on Auslan.
• Teach Starter – Auslan Teaching Resources: Perfect for parents who want to introduce Auslan through fun and educational activities. Discover resources on Teach Starter
Make it easier for you and family to connect with the deaf communities with this very popular and useful Auslan 100 Every Day Signs beginner’s handbook.
To Wrap Up…
I believe that Auslan Day is a celebration that offers so much more than just a glimpse into a unique language—it’s an invitation for families to learn, grow, and bond together. Don’t you agree?
By embracing Auslan, you’re not only picking up a new language but also opening the door to a deeper understanding of inclusivity and cultural diversity.
So, on every April 13, gather your family, try out a few Auslan signs, and enjoy the fun activities that come with it.
Whether you’re hosting a mini-workshop at home or joining a local event, Auslan Day is your chance to share a new, exciting experience with your kids while supporting the rich heritage of the Australian Deaf community.
Happy Auslan Day from our family to yours!
