ASL

I have been really interested in sign language ever since meeting a second hearing person that can sign as a result of being raised by at least one deaf parent. I think it is a great second language to know. I have been using “baby” sign language with Sullivan practically from day one. He is almost a year old now and while I know he can understand a lot of the signs I’m doing, he hasn’t really picked up on doing them himself very well yet. The one he occasionally does is the sign for “more”. But I have found lately that it’s just as easy for him to say the word “more” to get his point across (sounds like “ma ma ma”). The one baby book I read, Secrets of the Baby Whisperer, was big on communication. Babies don’t cry for no reason, you just have to figure out what that reason is. And while I wasn’t able to successfully follow the EASY method that the book outlines (eat, activity, sleep, you time), I found the communication part very helpful. That is where baby sign language comes into play. To communicate with my son better, help him learn a second language, and potty train sooner and easier (??- I’ve read that this is a possible benefit of sign language so he can tell us when he needs to go even if he’s not talking yet).

So step one of teaching him sign language is teaching myself first. In my search for apps, websites, and learning tools I came across an amazing website:  https://www.lifeprint.com/index.htm  This is put together by Dr. Bill Vicars and it is completely free (there are different materials you can purchase- I’m considering buying the DVD Superdisk). He is a teacher in Sacramento California and there are 30 lessons offered on his site as well as a library, study guide, and much more! Every sign has pictures, videos, alternate variations, explanations, memory aids, ect. I have found it to be a very valuable resource. I highly recommend checking it out.

Anyone have experience with baby sign language, positive or negative? Any locals interested in learning/practicing with me? Right now it is just myself signing to my son hoping he may sign back. I would love to learn more about my local deaf community as well. Leave me your comments.