Today is the introduction to Saturday’s Signs! On Saturdays, I am going to introduce you and your children to a variety of different signs. I will mostly focus on baby/children’s words but if you have particular word that you would like me to teach, please just post a comment on that weeks post.
Now to the disclaimer…I am a professional sign language interpreter with a masters degree in interpreting and a bachelors degree in Deaf Education. I have a Deaf husband [who has deaf parents] so our children are considered bilingual. We use both American Sign Language and spoken English in our home equally. Most babies and children will not learn as many signs as my kids know but they are a great example of how sign language can help kids broaden their language base at an early age.
There are tons of books and videos on the market to help you teach your baby signs. The is also extensive research that shows that babies as young as 6 months will begin to use signs to express themselves. Even if you just choose 10 signs to use with your baby, you will be surprise at how it lessens your frustration and theirs when they can communicate their needs. The key to teaching baby to sign is repetition, repetition, repetition.
This week Lu is going to show us how to sign, Mommy, Daddy, Milk and Cup.
Pardon the gold fish:) It took about 30 tries and a few bribes for me to figure what might work. Please let me know what you think! I love the idea of sharing our language with you and your families – I hope you do too.
Shonda says
That’s neat. Wow, you married someone who is deaf. I know a little bit of sign language, but I feel awkward around deaf people. I know I shouldn’t. They probably feel the same around me! Anyway, I think it would be great to start a Christian blog hop. I have not seen one yet, so that would be NEW! Great idea, Melanie!
Marcia says
This is fabulous! I home school my six-year-old daughter and have a 10 month old boy. We have begun learning sign language as a “foreign” language since my daughter is special needs and isn’t quite proficient in speaking conversational English yet; so I thought introducing her to Spanish would be confusing. I have already introduced “eat” and “more” and “all done” to my son during feeding time. I look forward to your Sign Saturdays. I think we’ll learn a lot!
Sarah says
I’m a new follower from Social Parade Follow on Friday.
I hope you’ll come check me out at PS Mom Reviews and follow me too!
I have fun giveaways going on now too!
Melanie says
Marcia,
I am going to put together a post about various on line dictionaries and website that promote sign language. I will let you know when I get it organized so that you can look at other signs your daughter might need.
Linda... says
Hi! I am a new blogger following you via Sensational Saturday blog hop; I hope you will follow me back.
http://Lindalovesblog.blogspot.com
Ava says
So glad to find this site. We are just starting on the adventure to learn sign language for my preemie. She has poor voice quality due to being on a ventilator and feeding tube for so long. So far she knows “more”, but I have been trying to teach her “help” and “open” and “eat”.
COUNTRY MOM says
What a wonderful video, Thank You for sharing. Have a great weekend, Blessings,
Amanda-The Nutritionist Reviews says
That is so interesting that you know so much about deaf education!
I found your blog through Saturday Social! Have a great Sunday!
Mel says
Thank you for the follow! I’m following you back.
http://heismybeloved.blogspot.com
COUNTRY MOM says
Thank You for all your prayers… Maybe soon I’ll be posting an update saying He’s here. I go back for a recheck Thurs. Blessings,
Mindy says
Love it! I am looking forward to reading this series. She is absolutely adorable.
Pam says
Love this, Mel, and I’m looking forward to your dictionaries and websites that promote sign language. Perhaps you can provide a link that tells us where we can sign up locally for sign language classes. I tried looking the other day, but couldn’t find anything. <3 you!