The Girl Who Wanted To Talk: A Deaf History Read-Aloud

Over 200 years ago, a Deaf girl named Alice Cogswell lived in Hartford, Connecticut and there were no lasting schools for the Deaf children in America. Her story helped start the first permanent school for the Deaf and the beginnings of American Sign Language.

In this gentle read-aloud, Rosie and Pip have tea with Aunt Daisy, who is Deaf. She tells them the true story of Alice, her neighbor Thomas Gallaudet, and the Deaf teacher Laurent Clerc. Children learn where ASL came from, and that if was shaped by Deaf people.

What's inside (8-page printable PDF):

• A two-page read-aloud story with Rosie, Pip, and Aunt Daisy
• Alice's Story in Order: a picture-sequencing activity for early learners and self-contained classrooms, with a no cutting option
• Deaf History Timeline: a cut-and-glue timeline for older students, with a discussion question
• Who Am I?: a match-the-clue page for all ages, plus a draw-and-sign activity
• HAT and SHIP sign cars to cut, fold and glue

Good for: homeschool families, classroom teachers, special and deaf education, parents, grandparents, and anyone learning ASL.

License For your family or one classroom. Print as many copies as you need. Please do not resell this file, share the PDF, or use Rosie and Pip on products you sell. Characters and stories © 2026 Rosie & Pip Club. A portion of club memberships funds a scholarship for a Deaf student.

Questions: rosiepipclub@gmail.com

Want more Rosie & Pip? Rosie and Pip mail real letters, clues and sign language cards to children every month. Join the club at rosieandpipclub.carrd.co