Monty McShane

Hello Folks, It's been a while since I've been here so thought I'd re-introduce myself. My name is Monty, I'm in Hertfordshire and have BSL level 2. As with most people, with the lock down I am a) stuck indoors and b) trying to do something usefull. If you are about at 8pm in the evenings and want to practice your BSL chat via the video chat, I am about! You can be brand new to it or level one and I will be super kind to you. You can be level 2 or above and you can be super kind to me! The important thing is, we are all hear to learn and sometimes the best way to cement your knowledge is to share it. I've done a video so you can see what level I am at. Anyway, if you want to practice, here I am! Stay safe and stay indoors to be a legend and save lives Thanks Monty

Hello Lizzie, Welcome! My dad is deaf in one ear and we joke with him that it changes ear depending on what suits him best.. I hope you hearing doesn't deteriorate and good luck with the learning. Are you learning online or going to a college? Monty

Hi Amy Welcome! I am doing Level 1 at college at the moment so am new to BSL and am finding it very interesting. In answer to your questions: - How long do you spend on your practice a day? 2 to 4 hours a week on top of college - How do you try to remember things you have learnt? When I get home I write down what I have learn in my language, for example: NAME ME: 2 finger salute and then point to chest HOW ARE YOU? 2 hand boob rub into flying thumbs up towards person - what is the best way to practice? With family, in a mirror, on here... you will find your best method. I think I'm still looking for mine! Good luck Monty

Hi - Welcome Adrian. I'm doing level 1 at the mo with a view to work all the way through to level 6 and become an interpreter. You and your son may enjoy the site below which is free to use. http://www.mybslbooks.com/

Hi Vee I'm happy to do some sessions as I also need help but I need to get my laptop working etc. Do you have skype? Email me at [email protected] and maybe we can get something arranged. Cheers Monty

Thanks for posting this...

A carpool karaoke lip sync video in support of World Down Syndrome Day features 50 mums and their children singing along to Christina Perri's multi-platinum selling track, "A Thousand Years". The mums are all part of a Facebook group known as "Designer Genes" created for parents who have a child with Down’s Syndrome born in 2013/14. They got together to show the world just how ordinary and fun life with the condition is and how they "Wouldn't Change a Thing". The video was originally inspired by Singing Hands - a UK organisation who's videos have helped many in the group learn Makaton for supporting their children’s communication development. Makaton is designed to help hearing people with learning or communication difficulties using signs, symbols alongside speech. With thanks to the artist Christina Perri for her support and Singing Hands for the original concept.

Hi Vee, Sorry, it's so difficult to get people here at the same time. I drop in when I can but never see anyone in the chat areas so I am using resources online to practice. Life kinda gets in the way.... One good website I have found is http://www.mybslbooks.com Signed children's story books and it is free!

Hi Roo I had the same though but found online courses quite difficult to understand and stick to. In the end I jumped in and decided to do BSL as an evening course at college and found it so much easier. Good luck Mony

Hello All, My name is Monty and I'm half way through BSL Level 1 at college in St Albans. I've had enough of working in an office and am on a 6 year mission to retrain as a sign language interpreter. I'm 38 now so still have probably 30 years of working left in me and I want to do something which contributes positively to people's lives and offers variety. Outside of BSL I work in an office doing quotes and tenders Monday to Friday but then as a mobile DJ at weekends. I cover all music but personally like 90s indie, classic rock, dance music and just anything which evokes a positive emotion. I'm also a bit of a sci fi geek and a member of a Toastmasters group. I found this site via the fingerspelling game. I would love to use this forum to use and develop my BSL skills so feel free to tap me up.