As a Special Education Teacher, I have been intrigued by the power of sign language. During my graduate coursework, I enjoyed every class available to me. During my role as a teacher, I have only been able to use signing with one of my students. To be able to teach a child a sign so they can communicate with you is a powerful feeling. Not only did the student I was working with learn the signs right away, but the motivation behind using signs was significant. We were able to communicate about activities around the classroom, which colors to use during art projects and how they were feeling.
I think it is very important for children to communicate their wants and needs even before they are able to talk. Signing does not inhibit the process of speech but encourages communicate and new vocabulary. For example, my daughter is now signing for her preference over drinks such as water, juice or milk, but is speaking simple words like "uh oh" and "hot".
Along my journey through the wide world of education and now being a parent I have found these great resources to encourage signing with others.
My favorite book for adults is the book I used during my graduate Signing courses:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Conversational Sign Language, written by my teacher and her daughter, Carole Lazorisak and Dawn Donohue.
Sign About Play Time: This book shows multiple signs on each page. It's a great way to start reading and practicing signing with your Little Busy Bees. Get those hands up and have fun! {Click on the title to buy the book!}
Signing Printables: These now cover our kitchen cabinets to encourage signing by family members, friends and care givers. I have found a few repetitive characters that are easy on the eye, that use simple instructions easy to use by a new signer. {Click on the link above to get some for your house too!}
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