Student members of Lakeland High School’s American Sign Language Club are gearing up for its annual Christmas presentation in city public elementary schools.

Concerts took place Thursday at Northern Shores, Oakland and Mack Benn Jr. elementary schools. Parents are invited to Friday’s concerts at Hillpoint (10 a.m.) and Florence Bowser (1:30 p.m.).

ASL teacher Anita Fisher said for the first time this year, concerts were offered at elementary schools attended by at least one deaf student, while the fifth school was selected on a first-in, best-dressed basis after she put the word out to principals.

“I had a request by one of the deaf education teachers, and she asked me if we would set up with the four elementary schools that have deaf students first,” Fisher said.

2013 marks the Christmas presentation’s 11th year, she said. Students sign everyone’s favorite Christmas songs.

“It makes Christmas come alive for me,” Fisher said. “I’ve been signing for 19 years, and seeing the kids actually seeming to understand what the kids are saying” is rewarding.

“They love to see the hands move, and they love to become a part of that. The kids will try really hard to copy them.”

Jacob Allen said he joined the club last year after being introduced to a little sign language in Japan.

“I though it would be interesting to learn a bit more about it,” he said.

Christelle Hollomon admitted to some nerves ahead of the concerts. “I’m nervous, but I know my signs,” she said. “Ms. Fisher did a good job of teaching them.”

Another student, Sarah Bowyer, is in her third year of ASL and considering attending Washington, D.C.’s Gallaudet University, which admits mostly deaf and hard of hearing students.

“I just like seeing their faces when we sign the songs, because they are so happy,” Bowyer said of the upcoming concerts.

As well as delivering plenty of Christmas spirit to the elementary school students in a unique way, the concerts by Talking Hands — as the ASL club calls itself — also encourage many to take up sign language, Fisher said.

“I’ve had students that were presented the Christmas program then took ASL,” she said.