Teaches American Sign Language to children with more than 300 essential signs, their English equivalents, and a picture “translation.” Provides a multidimensional sign language vocabulary for preschool and elementary school children. The authors introduce common household items, animals, family, verbs, emotions, safety, and other concepts. Each of the vocabulary words features a picture, sign illustration, and the English word. The American Manual Alphabet, number signs, and a list of different American Sign Language handshapes are included for handy reference.
When the Possum was eensy I taught her a little sign language, because I could not abide the silent treatment for nine whole months or whatever. She grasped the whole concept quickly, but didn't have anything really to say, as it turns out, just "cat" and "music" mostly. But after a bit I got bored enough to study up and expand on my seventh grade knowledge. As with any language, in the absence of practice I've lost it again, but I remember this book was quite helpful.
This book provided the next step from "Baby Signs" and provided our family with communication skills we will always remember and treasure! We believe our children truly had an early education in communication, before they verbally spoke one word. Today they still use signing while interacting with someone who is deaf.