Learning and Teaching American Sign Language
Even if you are not homeschooling a deaf or hard of hearing child, your whole family can benefit from learning American Sign Language (ASL) as a "foreign" language. Whether you want to learn ASL or you are looking to teach your child American Sign Language, here are products I recommend.
Before purchasing any sign language product, be sure it states that it will be teaching you American Sign Language (ASL) as opposed to signed English. There is a difference and I prefer my kids learn ASL.
Dawn Sign Press
Dawn Sign Press sells American Sign Language materials for teachers and families covering including books on Deaf heritage, videos, activity books, posters, and workbooks. All pre-school to high school materials have been field-tested with proven results.
I will be using Signing Naturally Level 1 Student DVD and Workbook with my two oldest this year. My husband used these in his ASL classes while in college. The set is also available with VHS. They sell a teachers manual but since my husband has used the book, I have not purchased it. Dawn Sign Press also sells a variety of posters and reading books for younger children, as well as the DVD series Signing Time (which I have for my 18-month old).
If funds are limited, check with your local library for videos and books on American Sign Language. Some books we have at home include:
- Learning American Sign Language: Levels I & II - Beginner and Intermediate by Tom L. Humphries, Carol A. Padden, Rob Hills, Peggy Lott, Daniel W. Renner
- American Sign Language-A Look at Its History, Structure and Community by Charlotte Baker, Carol Padden
As I mentioned above, I have the Signing Time DVD's and they are fantastic. You can find them at Amazon.com as well as a few other places online but they can be expensive. The good news is that Signing Time is now being aired on public television all over the US. This is a free, fun way to learn ASL. You can check to see if it is available in your area here.
American Sign Language Products
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