How YOU can Learn American Sign Language!

If you are a parent of a baby or toddler (or currently pregnant) you probably have heard of “baby sign.” But what exactly is it and why would you want to use sign language with your child? How? Where and when should you start? This is one of many posts I am writing this month on the topic of sign language and why I think it’s awesome for babies and children of all ages to learn it!

The last couple weeks, I shared the definition of sign language and why I am thankful I am using it with with my 16 month old son Ev. I also shared the many benefits of teaching sign to your little ones, when to start and why I recommend using ASL rather than made-up signs. But before you can teach your child sign language, you have to know some first. How can YOU learn sign language?

The Many Different Ways to Learn American Sign Language

When one does a Google search on baby sign language or American Sign Language, she will find a plethora of different websites, programs, books, flashcards, videos, classes, and even apps for iPhone and iPad! Honestly…there are endless ways you can learn American Sign Language and the specific types of products you choose will depend on your personal preferences. I’m going to go over some products that I have personally used or heard good things about.

Books

There are MANY books on the market regarding baby sign language but there are two that I personally recommend, plus a good dictionary.

• Sign With Your Baby: How to Communicate With Infants Before They Can Speak by Joseph Garcia. This is a short, simple book that goes over the who, what, why, when and how of teaching your infant sign language. A researcher in the field of sign language use and babies, the author has years of experience working with and teaching parents how to sign to their infants. He is funny and the book is an easy read. Included are ideas for starter signs and 145 illustrated signs as well. I find this a must read!
• Baby Signs: How to Talk with Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Talk, Third Editionby Linda Acredola Ph.D. and Susan Goodwyn, Ph.D. This book is a bit longer than the one above but is also a pretty easy read. Also researchers in the field of sign language and babies, the authors provide loads of information on the topic (including their own experiences teaching their own infant and toddlers sign) as well as a small dictionary of signs. I admit that I actually have the first edition of this book and not the most current version, but in the version I have there are a few things I don’t totally agree with them on regarding signing (specifically some of the starter signs they recommend and their use of made up signs rather than using ASL) but this is still an excellent book.
• American Sign Language Dictionary, Third Edition This is an AWESOME sign language dictionary that I HIGHLY recommend!!!

Videos
There are many different commercially available programs and products on the market today. I admit that I do have a preference for Signing Time products. They have FANTASTIC videos for both babies and older children. My children watch them all the time and my three year old has picked up SO much I am such a huge fan of Signing Time! that when I decided I wanted to start teaching Baby Sign Language classes I became certified through them.

Websites and Online Courses
There are several great websites that provide FREE or affordable ASL curriculum, dictionaries, etc. Here are a couple of my personal favorites:

• Lifeprint.com This is the home of the “American Sign Language University” or ASLU. This is an AWESOME website!! By far my favorite. Dr. Bill provides a free ASL dictionary, free classes, and free curriculum! I visit here REGULARLY!
• Baby Sign Language.com This site has a ton of information including FREE printable flash cards!
• Signing Online This site provides four online ASL courses (paid courses). I actually am taking these courses to refresh my ASL skills since I haven’t taken any courses since grad school and am a little rusty. I really enjoy these classes and highly recommend them.
• Hear My Hands This is a blog written by a fellow SLP and American Sign Language instructor. She has an awesome feature on her blog…the “sign of the day” which is a cool way to learn one new sign a day! Check it out!

Apps for the iPhone and iPad

When I starting signing with Ev, I was constantly having to go look up signs that I couldn’t remember. It was then that I decided to take the online courses I mentioned above to refresh my skills. However…I found myself wishing I had flashcards on my phone that I could use for practice. Then it hit me: “I have an iPhone now! I bet there are ASL apps!” So off to the iTunes store I went to download some apps.

I admit…some of them are terrible (and no, I am not going to name them here). But there are a couple pretty cool ones! Here are my favorites.They both have a lot of great signs that you will find useful with your children:

Signing Time ASL Dictionary Flash Cards: This is one of my FAVORITE apps! There are 145 ASL flashcards. The best part is the “challenge” feature which quizzes you. My daughter and I (age 3) both LOVE this app!

Baby Sign ASL: This app has over 200 signs categorized (animals, bedtime, colors, descriptions, food and kitchen, holidays, household, numbers, outside, people and feelings, and play). Rather than flash cards, this app provides video examples of each sign. And like the app above, it has the “quiz” feature which I LOVE!

Mommy and Me Classes
Mommy and Me Baby Sign classes are a FUN way for both you and your little one to learn sign! No matter what age your child, you can probably find a class in your area. Interested? Try looking for them in the following places:

• Your local city or county recreation department
• Local mother’s groups (may have formal or informal classes)
• Google Baby Sign Language in your area
• Signing Time! is one of many programs out there that offers certification to teach their curriculum (this is where I chose to become certified). You can do a simple search HERE to find a teacher near you!

Other ways to learn ASL

• Take a course at your local community college or university
• Take a non-mommy and me intro to baby sign class. These are often 1-3 hours long and don’t require you to bring your child. Typically instructors that teach the mommy and me type classes also offer these.
• Have a teacher come to your home for 1:1 instruction. Again, usually instructors that teach the mommy and me classes also offer 1:1 instruction.

There you have it! A plethora of different ways to learn ASL. You can learn at whatever pace works for you and your family. I do recommend whatever way you choose to learn, that you try not to overwhelm yourself! Just take things one day at a time and if it starts to stop being FUN, take a break! This should be FUN!

How are YOU learning (or plan to learn) sign language?