28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Baby can't talk yet? Use sign language! Great guide, with extra features!, March 4, 2006
This review is from: Baby Signing: How to Talk with Your Baby in American Sign Language (Spiral-bound)
As the parent of three, I remember how frustrating it was to have a crying baby or toddler who couldn't fully communicate what he wanted. There were days when my baby would try to say a word or would simply point at a cabinet door behind which were a number of possible items he might want - but which one? Needless to say, there were moments when both of us felt frustrated and unhappy about our inability to understand one another. I thought there was no other choice. At the time, there wasn't.
But as soon as I opened this book on using sign language with babies, I realized the possibilities. Sign language....of course! It made immediate, intuitive sense.
Still, I was skeptical eonough that I enlisted the help of some "volunteers" (friends and their babies) to try out the signs shown in this book. WITHIN ONE HOUR, a fair number of babies in the 9-12 month range were using basic signing techniques (and one 7 month old was well on the way). It was truly amazing - and exciting - to watch! The parents were equally impressed and, of course, proud of their offspring.
If you think that sign language is more than just a clever "game" for parents and children, think again. Studies have shown that babies who learn to sign may have a head start on learning how to speak later on. Rather than slowing down speech development, signing is a way of enhancing communication before very toddlers are truly verbal. Tt lessens frustration and readies them for actual speech.
Signing is also a PERFECT way of communicating in a quiet setting (church, doctor's office waiting room, certain restaurants) and even babies and toddlers can learn that communicating quietly is far more effective and acceptable than grunting, crying, whining and pointing. In short, sign language not only works but has major advantages in specific settings.
This little book has many extras, including a wonderful stand-up format so that readers don't have to hold it in their hands and have both hands free to sign. This makes it easy to learn and practice the simple hand gestures. Ir is small enough to fit in a purse or small tote bag.
I love the fact that this book was written by an author who really knows her material, with a background in working with both deaf and hard of hearing children at private and public schools. She not only teaches ASL but she knows how to make it totally fun. The games are interesting for both parent and baby, making for a wonderful bonding experience.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
a great way to learn and have fun, June 6, 2006
This review is from: Baby Signing: How to Talk with Your Baby in American Sign Language (Spiral-bound)
The best of the books on this subject that I have seen. So easy to use for the parent and fun for the child. The unique stand-up format lets you interact with your child with both hands. The photos of the babies and toddlers who are signing make it easy for you to see what a child is capable of. On the other side of the stand-up page is information for the parent and games for the adult to play with your child. I learned so much. Signing has become a family affair. Andrea and Ted's classes and concerts must be delight.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to use, fun to read!, March 14, 2006
This review is from: Baby Signing: How to Talk with Your Baby in American Sign Language (Spiral-bound)
This is a really nice book of ASL signs for babies & children. The book opens up to a tri-fold tent-like design, so it can stand up & you can flip the pages. The pictures are clear & simple, somewhere in between black & white and full color.
My 3 year old loves the pictures of the kids! I love the explanations for the signs- they help to make the actions feel more logical to do.
Overall, this book is a big hit for us!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
