I need some sign language recommendations PLEASE!

[Trishy]

I have been having a really rough time with ds lately and I think it is because he wants to communicate but just isn't able to say the words. I know it is late but I would like to introduce him to some sign language videos and maybe purchase a book to help me teach him (and leanr myself). I would really love to hear some signing stores, especially if there are any mamas out there htat has success with starting late. I would also really love some video and book recommendations.

TIA!

[ShannonCC]

I have some website recommendations!

http://www.signwithme.com/main_signs.asp

http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm

The first is geared toward babies.

We do simple signs like potty (we do EC), more, mookies (my made up sign for my made up word for nursing :bf ) and eat. So far that's all I've done consistantly. And "consistantly" is a relative term, lol! I've been doing them for awhile but he hasn't done any yet (I thought he signed potty twice but might be delusional )

[pinky]

I can't speak to starting late, but honestly I wouldn't stress about getting a book or a video. I borrowed a signed English dictionary from a friend...maybe you could get one from the library? I looked at the book "BabySigns" but I didn't find it that helpful--most of the words weren't that practical, I didn't think. We started with a few basic signs--"nursing" and "more"--and those two along alleviated a lot of confusion. Basically all you need to do is make the sign at the same time that you speak the word. I didn't consider it important to use the "right" sign, since the purpose was to communicate rather than to learn sign language. Dd often altered or adapted or simplified the signs anyway. After awhile, she started making up her own and wasn't interested in learning the new ones that we taught her!

Signing was WONDERFUL for us. I highly reccomend it!

[Trishy]

Oh our library isn't that great but I am definately going to check there tomorrow! They are bound to have at least one sign language book or video, right? I was needing something to do since it is raining now and that means the park is out for tomorrow.

ShannonCC thank you so much for the links. I love the first one because it shows me how to do the signs. I am trying to memorize a few now so I can start using them tomorrow.

[Baudelaire]

Got some great ideas!

The library will probably have a series of kids' videos called "Say, Sing, and Sign." VERY simple format -- they sign nursery rhymes and other stuff. If you're anti-TV, you'll probably like these videos because the format is simple and uncluttered -- no bells, no whistles, just a preschool-looking teacher signing to nursery rhymes. My DD LOVED these tapes and learned a *ton* of signs from them. Hope this helps.

[flores]

Simple Signs and More Simple Signs by Cindy Wheeler.
Its a picture book for kids and shows how to do each sign. My ds always picks these for us to read and sign together.

[NoHiddenFees]

I wasn't going to do signs, but we checked out a few of the Baby Sign board books from the libary, 'cause dd loves picture of babies and these have some great pictures. I would read the work on the page, but not do the sign. DD still managed to quickly pick it up. I still don't sign to her, but immedicate acknowlege any sign she does that I recognize... "yes, book" or "yes banana" etc.

[MSings]

I used Baby Signs with my son but it doesn't matter what book or videos you use. You just want to use signs that your son can easily make given his dexterity level and you want words for things that are important to your son. My son stopped signing when he started talking so I think agonising over ASL or Baby Signs or whatever isn't worth it unless you are going to learn sign language and continue to use it once your DS can talk. Sign language for the deaf has its own grammar and syntax so it is really a language. I agree with pinky. Pick 5-10 words a week, make up or find a sign for each that is meaningful to you, write it down and use that sign with the word in conversations every day-preferably at least 5 times a day. It doesn't matter whether "bunny" is 2 hands on your head or wriggling your nose with one finger or moving your hand in a hopping motion with 2 fingers up. Great first signs are eat, cup, more, outside, hat. Most importantly, have fun! It is so much fun communicating.