Customer Reviews

Baby Signing: How to Talk with Your Baby in American Sign Language

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

My daughter and I were hoping to be able to teach signs so her nine month oold could make his wishes known - but 'train', 'plane' - not exactly useful if he wants a drink of water. Good hints to remember the signs, but the choice of signs - not too much use for the word plane or tiger. Does anyone know of a set with words that might be used more

This book is great to help tech your child sign language. I love that it has a paragraph about each sign and suggests more advanced signs too.

Really is not much in this book nor does it explain much. it only covers a few signs. I would go with signing to babies for dummies, very small price difference and a lot more coverage.

I like this book because it is a simple way to get started. I buy it as a gift for new parents because not all parents will give it 100% especially if the book, like many, is wordy. The layout is nice and there are suggestions for taking it further as well as good ways to implement the signs into context that will give meaning to the child. It gives some essential signs as well as signs of things that kids often comment on (several animal signs are given because kids usually comment on animated objects before they will comment on inanimate objects). I think for those parents who are able to implement these signs into everyday life there are many books out there that can expand on these signs. The authors even give recommendations for other resources to seek out. For those parents who aren't as willing to implement sign language into everyday life I think this book is less intense which makes it more likely that they will use some of the signs.

better than most of these types of books I enjoyed it. useful, too. If you want a fast read on the subject and are willing to sit through a tedious middle, this is for you!

I've read three or four baby books. Also recommend:What to Expect When You're Expecting, Third Edition

I like this book, it's got all the basics and then some. I really like the way it's able to stand upright, so you can leave it out on the counter.

This is definitely the best book on this subject. Lots of fun for both parent and child and so easy to use. Love the stand-up format and the photos of signing children. Also the parent information and games for the adult to play with your child are very helpful. My 26 month old still uses the signs he learned when he was younger. Wish I lived in the NY area so I could attend the classes.