These Schoolkids Learned Sign Language To Sing Happy Birthday To Their Deaf Caretaker

Grab a tissue 😭

A group of school kids reduced the internet to tears after they learned sign language to wish their deaf caretaker a surprise happy birthday.

Reception class at Hickerson Elementary in Tennessee, US, stood on one side of their classroom waiting for their caretaker, Mr James, to walk in. As soon as he did, the teacher kickstarted the singing of happy birthday, while the children all signed the song.

By the look on his face, Mr James wasn’t expecting the gesture at all. His mouth dropped, his hands shot up to his head, and he had a beaming smile on his face.

Our Kindergarten classes learned how to sign Happy Birthday for Mr. James' birthday today. He was so surprised! 💛🖤💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/OXQ3gDnpbh

— Hickerson Elementary (@HickersonSchool) October 23, 2018

People on Twitter who had previously been taught by Mr James tweeted their joy at the video and shared their own memories of him at their school.

I love this so so much. There wasn’t a day that went by in elementary school that Mr. James didn’t ask me how ball was going! Such a sweet, genuine guy. So proud to be a former Hickerson Hawk 💛💛 https://t.co/QFloB8x80p

— Amanda Crouch (@amandacrouch16) October 24, 2018

Annnnnnd I’m crying.
Love these kids, love this teacher, love Mr. James! https://t.co/MsgozDu1e7

— Kelly Rippin WESH (@KellyRippin) October 24, 2018

Mr James has been loved in Coffee Co for a long time. Such a nice man. Happy birthday!

— Jake Shelton (@JakeMShelton) October 24, 2018

Everyone else on the internet loved it too, with the video sending many to pieces.

This is beautiful! These teachers are giving an amazing education!

— Cllr Ari Leitner (@arileitner) October 25, 2018

I wasn’t emotionally ready for that 😭😭😭😭😭 so sweet and beautiful x

— KO’B (@weekirstyo) October 25, 2018

HELP I CANT STOP CRYING OMG I LOVE THIS

— spooky lily🎃👻 (@lilysau4) October 25, 2018

Don’t mind us, we’re just watching it on repeat.

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