68. Sign Language and Inclusion Literature with Kathleen Marcath

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we strive to create environments where</span> <em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">all</span></em> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">students feel seen, heard, valued, and are thriving, it’s important to ensure that students feel supported and connected with not only educators, but also each other. This may seem difficult to accomplish when you consider that kids come from all different backgrounds and have different needs and methods of learning, but we as educators can gently encourage better social inclusion in education.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today’s guest, Kathleen Marcath, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of inclusion literature in our classrooms, especially as it pertains to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Inclusion literature not only helps normalize and celebrate the differences we have, but it keeps kids engaged and fosters better communication and connection between them socially.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Listen in as Kathleen shares about her experience with writing inclusive children’s literature & her mission to extend the conversation of inclusion.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">About Kathleen Marcath:</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kathleen Marcath has a B.A. degree in Deaf Community Studies. Years of experience as a special education sign language supporter have kindled her passion for helping children reach their educational potential. Kathleen is delighted to help fill the need for picture books illustrated in American Sign Language and is the author of</span> <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Truck-Goes-Everywhere-Illustrated/dp/1734751711" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere With Me</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, an educational and fun story that teaches 32 signs in American Sign Language. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother, and resides in Michigan.</span></p> <p>