Bring the magic of Auslan Storytime to your community
A Deaf-led, inclusive storytime experience for children and families.
Step into a world of stories, songs and laughter with Auslan Storytime, an inclusive storytime experience that introduces children and families to Auslan (Australian Sign Language).
Each session is a hands-on, visual experience where children can learn, sign, sing and play together in a welcoming and supportive environment. Through stories, music and movement, children of all abilities explore language in a fun and meaningful way while building confidence and celebrating Deaf culture from an early age.
What is Auslan Storytime?
Auslan Storytime is an interactive, bilingual storytime program for children aged 0–10 years. Sessions are led by a Deaf Auslan storyteller alongside a spoken English storyteller, allowing children to enjoy stories in both Auslan and spoken English.
The program is suitable for deaf and hearing children and is designed for families, libraries, councils, schools and community organisations looking for an inclusive and engaging experience that introduces Auslan (Australian Sign Language) for children in an age-appropriate way.
- Deaf-led
- Auslan & English
- Ages 0-10
Why Auslan Storytime Matters
Learning Auslan at a young age supports early communication, language development and confidence. Auslan Storytime creates a positive and inclusive space where children can experience language visually and socially, while learning about Deaf culture in a natural and enjoyable way.
Through stories, songs and shared activities, children can:
- Build early language and communication skills
- Develop confidence and social connections
- Learn key Auslan signs in a fun, interactive way
- Experience inclusion and accessibility from an early age
- Celebrate Deaf culture alongside their peers and families
What happens at an Auslan Storytime Session?
Each session runs for 30 to 45 minutes and families are encouraged to join in and have fun together. Auslan Storytime can be delivered as a one-off session for a special event or as an ongoing program or series.
During each Auslan Storytime, we share:
One to two children’s books presented in Auslan
Nursery rhymes and songs signed in Auslan
Five key Auslan signs from the story, taught to the audience
Children are encouraged to sign along, interact with the storytellers and engage with each other throughout the session.
At the end of each Storytime, children can take part in creative activities such as drawing or craft, linked to the book or theme of the session.
We provide parents and carers with Auslan resources and information sheets to support learning beyond the Storytime.
Story in Auslan and English
Songs & Rhymes
Learn Auslan
Activity
Take Home Info
Who is Auslan Storytime for?
- Families
- Libraries and Councils
- Schools and Centres
- Community Groups
“Working with Deaf Children Australia to deliver Auslan Storytime has been a genuinely valuable experience for our Brimbank community and library staff. As a hearing adult, it has encouraged me to reflect on and broaden my understanding of Auslan and Deaf culture, and has shown me just how much there is to learn beyond a surface understanding. Co-facilitating these sessions alongside a Deaf or HoH presenter has been personally and professionally impactful, building my confidence and awareness in inclusive practice. What stands out most is the response from Deaf community members who attend the sessions, or visit our library. You can clearly see the joy and sense of belonging when they are centred in the space and able to fully participate in their First language. Additionally, these sessions also attract strong interest from hearing families who are eager to learn Auslan, creating a shared environment of curiosity, respect and inclusion . The program supports early language development (visual and oral), strengthens community connection, and plays an important role in building a more inclusive community. Auslan Storytime is a fantastic program, and we are proud to work in partnership with DCA, so this can be a year round offering in our community."
Sarah Gardiner - Library Programs Lead
Children and Families : Brimbank City Council
Bring Auslan Storytime to your library, school or community event
We work with libraries, councils, schools and community organisations to deliver Auslan Storytime to a wide range of audiences. Each session pairs a Deaf Auslan storyteller (provided by DCA) with a spoken English storyteller (provided by you, or DCA if required) to create an inclusive, engaging experience for children and families.
Having a Deaf Auslan Storyteller ensures that your Auslan Storytime is also culturally appropriate (rather than using an Auslan Interpreter). This is because Auslan is the Deaf Storyteller’s first language, they can convey the story more effectively through their body language, facial expressions, and depicting signs, offering a richer and more authentic storytelling experience.
If you would like to host an Auslan Storytime or learn more about how the program can work in your community, we would love to hear from you.
Contact us at community.engagement@deafchildren.org.au
