My First Book of Sign Language

by Joan Holub (Illustrator)

Introduces young people to the sign language alphabet

Genres: Childrens, Nonfiction, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

NY Times bestselling children's book author:
GODDESS GIRLS series + HEROES IN TRAINING series (w Suzanne Williams); THIS LITTLE TRAILBLAZER a Girl Power Primer; ZERO THE HERO; I AM THE SHARK. Lucky to be doing what I love!

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nicely done alphabet book that also teaches some introductory sign language skills.

My daughter liked this when she was four.

[Macey Giberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the first books my mom read to me after she had told me that she knew sign language. She had learned how to sign in college, and wanted me to learn the basics when I was in 2nd grade. She bought this book for us to read together, as well as to help me learn and to give her the chance to relearn some of the basics she may have forgotten. This book created a bond between us as we turned every page the bright colors, and realistic characters made this book extremely appealing to the eye and very reassuring that anyone reading can reenact the signs shown in this book. The way that the illustrator drew each hand with arrows and motion to help direct the proper movement with each jester makes this book fun and engaging, but also informative as well. After, going through the alphabet and seeing all of the example words that associate with that letter and how to sign them. The ending pages have common words, phrases, and how to properly sign each of those. With the inclusion of those ending pages, it increases the learning factor but also the interaction within the book and outside of it for each person reading. The visuals of each character in the book signing makes the reader want to following along and attempt with the characters. Getting the chance to pick up this book again gave me all of the warm and fuzzy feelings.

[Kymberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!! Use this book to teach children, teens and adults to sign. Must have!

[Shilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about teaching your students to sign language. It is a fun and information based book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned some new words that I may use as silent signals in our classroom (please, you’re welcome, read, and more).

[Farleyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for the beginners in sign language

[TJE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun for mom, helpful for talking

[MaryAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An alphabet book that illustrates the sign for each letter and words that begin with that letter. Addie Al word are included in the back. Really cute illustrations.

[Salima Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a picture book that shows the different letters of the alphabet, as well as simple words. It is meant to teach readers of all ages, but specifically young children. This is a good book to have in the classroom because any grade can follow it independently. I think it's really important for teachers to have books in their classroom that appeals to all types of reading levels. This book can be placed in even a Pre-K classroom, and the students can follow along and learn the signs without any assistance. I would use this book in my classroom as an exposure text; meaning that it is meant to expose students to the basics of sign language. Students would be able to interact with the text by looking at the pictures given and imitating the signs. They can also learn to spell words out by putting signs together. The author, Joan Holub, is known for writing and illustrating informative interest books for children, which would explain why she was able to create such a great text that anyone can follow.

[Becky Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

My First Book Of Sign Language

Grades K-3rd

This book of sign language has great big easy to follow signs in the illustrations that are colorful and eye catching. The signs are simple and great for use with a hearing or non hearing child. It illustrated the alphabet as well as words. Children will like to use their new found skill while talking with peers or adults. This book would be a great classroom tool as some students need an extra prompt besides words at times.

Language Arts/Social Emotional

Social Emotional Example: This book could be a great ice breaker for talking about children who are hearing impaired. Students can discuss the difficulties the hearing impaired have and have a chance at signing a few words themselves.

[Audeena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Informational
Copyright Date: 2006

I read this to two students who are working on learning sign language to communicate what they want or need. I didn't read this book to them but I used it as a teach tool for myself when I was working with them on requesting. I would pull a few things out of the book at a time (apple, drink, eat, pizza, water)and have those there for them to request. It was a great book for me but I believe it would be overwhelming how much information is in it for a child to read at once. Maybe one page a day with the three signs per page!

[Katee]

Summary: This is a beginners book for sign language. The book contains the letters of the alphabet and and some words that can all be signed by using our hands.

Age: K-6th grade

Use: Read Aloud. Could also be a lesson in itself or it could go along with something about reading about people who are deaf or blind, such as Helen Keller.

Genre: Picture Book

Text/Images: Images represent the signs very well

Topic: Sign language.

Social Issues:

[Chanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My First Book of Sign Language is an ABC book about different things you can sign such as apple, baby, car, dog, etc. I love how the book at the end shows you how to sign things that can help you such as I, mom, how to count, the days of the week, and different emotions. This would be a great tool to help students learn sign language or it can be used as a teaching tool.I remember how cool it was to learn the alphabet in sign language in school.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

My First Book of Sign Language is a nice start in getting children familiar with some of the basic and most often used signs in A.S.L.. Some of the illustrations were a bit unclear and I needed to use a different book to double check the proper way of signing. My daughter and I read and tested each other on the words as we read. A good way to see if your child, or yourself, is really interested in learning more than a few words in sign language.

[Chantel · Rating 3 out of 5]

My First Book of Sign Language
Author: Joan Holub (Illustrator)

I took sign language in college and found that the children's books were a wonderful way to learn the basics. Afterall, when we first learn any language, we learn the most functional words for communicating with each other first. This was a nice book that taught fingerspelling of each letter and provided a word for each letter of the alphabet too. Enjoyable, I let it go because I ended up with two copies.

[Angey Mahmoud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable, small book. It has within it many very cute, colorful, and attention getting illustrations that incorporate signs throughout. As a teacher I would be interested in teaching my young students some basic sign vocabulary, this is a fun way to start. This book will get their attention, they'll think they're having fun (and not working). This book s suitable for k-2 students.

[M.M. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Sign language is said to be a beautiful language and I cannot agree more. I did a video of my review and you can see it here: http://youtu.be/Q3wGo0veNto?list=UUJf...

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

all ages are appropriate for this book.

message being sent to children: there is one more than one way to communicate

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is okay. I is nice to introduce the signs. It's just that this one doesn't have any kind of story line or way of relating the words.

[Shelly H · Rating 4 out of 5]

kids pick up on it.

[Ashley Storms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great alphabet book because it also teaches students some sign language. Recommended for primary students.