September 2025 - ILY Paper Hand Sign

September is Deaf Awareness Month! Of course, we at RTWTQ are aware of Deaf people. However, there is always much to learn about a people group or a culture. Just because you might know one or a few Deaf people does not mean you understand everything about Deaf people.

Take two of our Reading Time Buddies, for example. Mr. Zae is Deaf and uses American Sign Language as a primary means of communication. Mr. James is hard of hearing (HoH) and only knows some sign (but is learning). These two buddies of ours are on what is called the Deaf spectrum. They are both part of the Deaf community and culture, but their experiences are very different.

That is part of what we will be learning at Reading Time this Saturday. People who are Deaf are not all the same, much like every other people group you might know of. On top of that, their differences make them unique, important, and no less deserving of love.

That being said... this craft teaches us one way to sign I Love You!

🤟 ILY Paper Hand Sign 🤟

SUPPLY LIST

🤟 Paper hand cutout (pre-bought or traced)

🤟 Heart stickers

🤟 Markers

🤟 Tape or glue

🤟 Sharpie

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Place a piece of tape on the inside of the index and middle fingers. Double stick tape works best, but you can also use glue if the paper isn't too slick. Fold the two fingers down and attach at the mid/lower palm.

Step 2: Write out the letters I and U. Leave enough space between them to place a heart sticker. Color in the letters with a marker. Decorate with more stickers or use markers to do your own thing.

Now you're done! You could hang this on a bulletin board, make a card by gluing the whole hand onto a piece of paper, or give it to someone to say I LOVE YOU!

Join us this Saturday, September 13th to learn this sign and many more during our Sign On! Deaf Awareness Month program.

IDAHO FALLS:

We will be at The Heart Event Center, 751 S Capital Ave, starting at 10:30am.

POCATELLO:

We will be at Discovery Dance School, 310 E Clark St, starting at 1:30pm.

The space is ADA compliant. You may park in the parking lot either in front of or behind the studio.