Sign Language for Families...not just babies.
I have been interested in sign language my whole life. I am far from fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), but I have always known the basics. When I was pregnant with my daughter I looked at research discussing the benefit of teaching sign language to infants. I'm not a fan of baby signs, only of using ASL with babies. There is a difference, ASL is a language that you and your child can use your whole life. Baby signs are made up gestures that your child will soon outgrow. I think parents, caregivers and educators should all learn a bit of sign and teach the young people in their life.
Contents at a Glance
Where We Started
Back in 2001 I searched the internet for information and came across the website of Joseph Garcia, the author of SIGN with your BABY®. I was really excited by his studies and I purchased his Complete Learning Kit, which includes a book, training video, and reference guide. I chose his system because it uses ASL as it's base. Before my daughter was born my husband and I 'studied' watching the video and reading the book. We wanted to learn the signs and be ready to start teaching her early on. 
SIGN with your BABY - Baby Sign Language (ASL) Kit: Includes Book, How-to DVD, Quick Reference Guide
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Used Price: $25.88
Release Date: 03/29/2005
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Progress
When our daughter was about 2 months old we started signing to her on a regular basis. We began with a few signs (more, milk, eat) and that is all we showed her until she started signing back. She made her first sign at 7 months of age and we were so proud and excited by her accomplishment. We slowly added new signs when she showed interest in something. By the time she was 1 ½ years old she could sign at least 24 words. At that point her signing vocabulary consisted of: more, milk, eat, bread, banana, water, change, bath, all done, shoes, socks, bed, book, baby, potty, bye, fan, ouch, I love you, fish, monkey, lion, bird, cat (and there are probably more I am forgetting).Our family and friends were always impressed by how much she was learning. She seemed to enjoy it so much and she was able to tell us things that she couldn't yet say out loud. She didn't get frustrated because she was able to communicate with us. If she wanted something she let us know. As her speech progressed she would combine spoken words and signs to form whole sentences.
It is so easy and helpful, it really benefits everyone involved. I recommend signing to every parent I know and cannot praise it enough. Some people are worried that signing delays speech. We haven't found this to be true at all. She has always had a large vocabulary for her age and it was extended even further at a young age through signing.
Beyond Babyhood
Once our daughter was signing well we purchased the first three volumes of Signing Time made by Two Little Hands Productions - "My First Signs", "Playtime Signs", and "Everyday Signs". They are videos geared toward young children teaching sign language in a fun way. With these she learned even more signs and enjoyed seeing other children sign to her on the screen. After that we bought each new Signing Time set as they came out. Volumes 4-6, 7-9 and 10-13. By the time she was 3 she had learned over 200 signs. She got to help teach signs to her preschool class. She even appears in three of the Signing Time Videos! Volume 10 singing "Fun", Volume 11 signing "Kite" and Volume 12 signing "Popcorn".I used to have the 3 video clips here in this lens but SigningTime asked me to remove them from YouTube. :(
Big Kids
Our daughter turned 7 last summer and while the need for signing has changed we have not given it up. I can sign to her across the playground, or when she is in class and I don't want to interrupt, when she is on the other side of a window, or when it's something I don't want someone else to hear. Signs like "try", "be careful", "pay attention", "stop", "no", "yes" and my favorite of all "I love you" are still part of our everyday conversation. Great Sign Language Gifts
ASL Alphabet - Large Poster
Colorful chart showing the alphabet written in capital and lowercase letters as well as the American Manual Alphabet.
Price: 19.99
Sign Language - Kids T-Shirt
Your child's name in sign. Custom order. Before ordering contact us to request name and color choices.
Price: 15.99
Sign Language Links
Signing Time!
Signing Time is a sign language video series that teaches American Sign Language (ASL) to children and babies in a fun and easy way to learn. Signing...3 points
Signing Time Forums
This is the public discussion board for Signing Time! Hand's down the best sign language products for babies and children!1 point
Sign Language - BabyCenter
Come discuss Speaking using your hands: American Sign Language, Pidgin Sign English, Signing Exact English, Signing Essestial English all Welcome.1 point
Sign2Me.com
SIGN with your BABY teaches hearing parents to communicate with their hearing children through genuine sign language.0 points
Lifeprint.com
Free lesson plans, ASL dictionary and resources. Information on Deaf culture, history, grammar, and terminology. Certified instructor, Dr. Bill Vicars...0 points
ASLPro.com
ASL Pro is a completely free online ASL educational resource website featuring over 11,000 ASL Signs0 points
More Great Sign Language Gifts
ILY - Jr. Ringer T-Shirt
Child signing "I Love You". Shirt available in pink, yellow, and mint.
Price: 21.99
I Love You - Toddler T-shirt
Child signing "I Love You" in Green & Lilac. Shirt available in white, pink, baby blue, and daffodil yellow.
Price: 10.99
I Love You - Infant Creeper
Child signing "I Love You" in Orange & Blue. Creeper available in white, pink, and baby blue.
Price: 11.99
Our Day with Signing Time
We were so glad to have made the 3 hour drive to Charlemont MA (in the pouring rain) on October 8, 2005. Our daughter Lexi was SO excited to meet Rachel, Alex and Leah I can't even tell you. She was completely star struck. When we got to the playdate she asked where they were, but we hadn't seen them yet. Starving after the long trip we went to the cafeteria first to grab some lunch. While we were eating my husband saw Rachel come in and Lexi rushed over to say hi. I had to call her back over to eat or she wouldn't have left her. Then she couldn't wait to see Leah and Alex. Lexi was 4 years old and these two kids are not only 'super stars' to her but they are 'big kids' too so she was really nervous when she had the chance to meet them. She didn't know what to say but just being able to stand next to them made her smile from ear to ear. She just kind of followed them around and watched in awe. LOLShe got a turn to get on camera and do some signs. My husband and I were so involved in watching what she was doing we both forgot to take pictures while she was in there (sigh) I could tell the process was a little intimidating for her but I know she loved it because she kept asking to go back and be filmed some more.
I loved watching all of the kids sit in front of Rachel and learn new signs. Even more kids sat watching some new songs. A few were dancing around. So cute!
The show was terrific. The school kids were adorable and it was so cool that kids in the audience got to go up on stage too. We didn't let our daughter go up the first time and she was so upset. Thankfully Rachel asked more kids to go up for the Silly Pizza song and even though I didn't think Lexi would sign while she was up there I let her go up because she wanted to so badly. To my surprise she DID sign through the whole song! I was there in the third row 'helping' her, but I was so proud that she did it and she was proud of herself!
Oh I have to mention Lucy! Oh my goodness I don't know how Rachel got through that song without breaking down. I had a lump in my throat the whole time. It didn't help that I was already crying before the song started. I told Lexi to listen carefully because Lucy was singing and she did then yelled out "I can hear her!" with a big smile.
If they ever come out this way again we will surely make the trip.
Signing Time! 1-3
Signing Time Volume 1-3 DVD Gift Set The Volume 1-3 Gift Set contains My First Signs DVD, Playtime Signs DVD, Everyday Signs DVD, and the accompanying music CD!
Signing Time! Vol. 1: My First Signs DVD
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Signing Time! Volume 2: Playtime Signs DVD
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Signing Time! Volume 3: Everyday Signs DVD
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Signing Time! Songs Volumes 1-3 CD
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Signing Time! 4-6
Signing Time Volume 4-6 DVD Gift Set The Volume 4-6 Gift Set contains Family, Feelings, & Fun DVD, ABC Signs DVD, My Favorite Things DVD, and the accompanying music CD!
Signing Time Volume 4: Family, Feelings & Fun DVD
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Signing Time Volume 5: ABC Signs DVD
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Signing Time Volume 6: My Favorite Things DVD
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Signing Time! Songs: Volumes 4-6 CD
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Colors of the Rainbow
They were learning about rainbows and this song was a big hit!
Colors of the Rainbow
"Colors of the Rainbow" is featured on Signing Time! Volume 6: My Favorite Things
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More Signing Time Videos
Signing Time! DVD Gift Set Vol. 7-9
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Signing Time! DVD Gift Set Vol. 10-13
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Signing Time Practice: ABCs and 123s Level 1
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Baby Signing Time Volumes 1 & 2 Plus 2 Music Cds
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Signing Time Board Books
Signing Time Board Book Gift SetIncluded in this set are My First Signs, Playtime Signs, and Everyday Signs.
Signing Time Board Book Vol. 1: My First Signs (Signing Time! (Two Little Hands))
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Signing Time! Playtime Signs, Book 2
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Signing Time Board Book Vol. 3: Every Day Signs (Signing Time! (Two Little Hands))
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Signing Time Flashcards
Signing Time Flash Cards Gift SetThese flash cards are designed to reinforce all the American Sign Language signs taught in Signing Time Volumes 1-3 with full-color photographs of Rachel, Alex, or Leah signing each word, colorful illustrations, and simple sign descriptions.
Includes My First Signs, Playtime Signs, and Everyday Signs. Each of the flash card decks is individually color-coded for easy sorting. Each deck also comes with its own plastic D-ring clip for easy carrying. Printed on thick UV coated card stock.
Signing Time! Flash Cards Set 1: My First Signs
Release Date: 09/25/2006
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Signing Time! Flash Cards Set 2: Playtime Signs
Release Date: 09/25/2006
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Signing Time! Flash Cards Set 3: Everyday Signs
Release Date: 09/25/2006
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Parents want to know!
How old was your baby when they made their first sign?
If you have signed with more than one child use the youngest age.
Signing Time's Second Series!
Series 2 DVDs:
Volume 1: Nice to Meet You
Volume 2: Happy Birthday to You
Volume 3: Move and Groove
Volume 4: My Favorite Season
Volume 5: Going Outside
Volume 6: Days of the Week
Volume 7: My Favorite Sport
Volume 8: My House
Volume 9: My Things
Volume 10: Helping Out Around the House
Volume 11: Once Upon a Time
Volume 12: Box of Crayons
Volume 13: Who Has the Frog?
From Series Two Volume 13
Signing Time "Who Has The Frog"
Signing Time Series 2 Sneak Peek Volume 13 www.signingtime.com
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Share your signing stories
curious0927 wrote...
I have 2 ADHD children. The first thing they taught them in Resource at school was sign language as it helped them read, spell and comprehend. A tool we should all look into. Great information.
Posted July 02, 2009
BunnyFabulous wrote...
I started teaching ASL to my daughter when she was 8 months old thru the Baby Signing Time videos, and it's been immensely helpful in our communication. Your lens is very thorough, helpful and fun. So fun that your daughter got to be on Signing Time and meet Rachel, Leah and Alex. :) I'm lensrolling it to my lens about Baby Signing Time.
Posted June 26, 2009
ChineseKitesforKids wrote...
Terrific lens. Very informative. My baby's first sign was "more" but he's two now and he signs the entire alphabet, all his colors, his numbers 1 - 10, fruits, veggies, animals and people. He's really good. I've been working with him since he was 6 months old. It really works. Lens rolling this to:
Teaching Your Children Sign Language
Sign Language Alphabet
Posted June 22, 2009
KimGiancaterino wrote...
Re-blessing... This lens is featured on A Day of 100 Squid Angel Blessings.
Posted June 18, 2009
Wysiwigs wrote...
Lovely lens ~ I'm lensrolling you to my Momography: Parenting a Deaf Child lens. Very nicely done :o)
Posted May 15, 2009
BigGirlBlue wrote...
A friend and I learned some basics growing up. I've always found it interesting. Congratulations on the purple star.
Posted May 02, 2009
enslavedbyfaeries wrote...
I have heard of teaching babies sign language, but never considered how practical it would be on an everyday basis. Thanks for sharing your experiences with ASL. It was very enlightening to learn more about it. That's very cool that your daughter got to be on the show too!! :)
Posted April 10, 2009
OhMe wrote...
Oh me! I love this lens. I have always been fascinated with sign language, too! I used to work with Adult Developmentally Disabled and we taught them very basic signs which made communicating much more enjoyable. I catch myself wanting to sign to get people's attention and then realize that they wouldn't understand. It is so beautiful and so is this lens.
Posted April 08, 2009
DebtSolutions22 wrote...
I love this lens. My son started signing when he was about 12 months. I would definitely teach the rest of my children ASL as it definitely helps out with communication. Great information and thanks for sharing your personal experience.
Posted February 03, 2009
Susan52 wrote...
How wonderful to share something special like this with your daughter. I hope you keep the lens updated as she grows, to let us know how she applies ASL in her life. Wonderful lens!
Posted December 30, 2008
Treasures-By-Brenda wrote...
A beautiful lens with a lot of helpful resources! Great job!
Brenda
Posted November 05, 2008
Rasalila wrote...
Cool lens. I've heard about the baby signs before, but actually using ASL is a really cool idea. Then your kid and you be come bilingual. Thank you!
Posted November 02, 2008
PattB wrote...
Great lens, Christene. My grandmother who lived with our family was deaf. She read lips pretty well, however, and the only sign language that was used was what we make up to get our point across, before giving up and writing her a note. How much simpler it would have been if we all had known sign language. I tried taking some classes later in life, but unfortunately didn't keep up with it. I've often thought of how useful it would be for divers, loud concerts and restaurants. Thanks for your promotion of teaching it to babies! 5 stars!
Posted October 30, 2008
icjackson wrote...
Your daughter got to be on Signing Time? That is so AWESOME!
I just featured this lens here:
Teach Yourself American Sign Language - Basic Sign Language Studies Online
5 stars for a GREAT lens!
Posted October 28, 2008
spirituality wrote...
I think using sign with young children is a genius idea. Thanks for sharing your experience with it with us.
Posted October 10, 2008
bygproductions wrote...
I taught my girls some ASL, when they were older. I wish I'd know about it when they were infants, would have saved a lot of whining and guessing. Thank you for doing this lens. I hope others will follow your lead and teach it to their infants.
Posted October 07, 2008
