Young girl who uses sign language to help her parents

Both Molly’s parents are deaf. At just seven years of age Molly is an accomplished signer of British Sign Language.

When did you learn sign language?

I grew up learning to sign at the same time as learning to talk. I sign for my mum and dad when they need to know what someone is saying. My brother is called Sam and he is nine. He knows sign language too.

Do you teach your friends to sign?

I teach my friends at school. Sometimes I stand at the front of the class and show everyone how to sign. I think they find it quite hard, but my teacher is good at it. I think it would be a really good if people had to learn sign at school. I think children would be interested in learning it and it would be helpful if they could.

What do you like doing for fun?

I have been dancing for three years and I love it. I go to Art of Dance and Fitness and my teachers are Miss Tracey and Miss Lisa. My auntie used to have Miss Lisa when she was little. At Christmas I was in The Wizard of Oz at the Alexandra Theatre and I loved doing that. When I grow up I want to be a dance teacher. I also like singing and I sing a lot at home. I’m doing a show at school and I’m doing three songs.

What is your favourite subject at school?

Art. I love painting too and I do that a lot too. My dad is a painter.

How do you help your mum and dad?

If someone was talking to them and they couldn’t work out what exactly they were saying then I can sign it to them. If we are in a shop and we need to know what to pay and they can’t see the screen [cash register], I tell them

 what it costs. I let them know when someone is at the door, but mostly my dog Rio does that for them because he runs to the door and then back to us. He’s a good dog.

Will you teach your own children sign language when you grow up?

Yes, I will. Some words are difficult to sign, but I can usually work it out. I have a book of sign language. Sometimes mum and dad sign very fast and I can’t always follow what they are saying.

Ah, but perhaps they are talking about your birthday surprises?

Maybe! I am having a party. We are going to the Flying Fortress. I have never been before so it will be really exciting. There is going to be ten of us. I am hoping to get some River Island vouchers for my present so that I can go clothes shopping. I love clothes shopping.

For more information about British Sign Language visit www.british-sign.co.uk