want to learn sign language...can you help?

[worm761]

i would like to teach my son sign language and i know there are a few diser's who sign. that and the people on the dis can help you with anything!! anyway my DS is 6 yrs old. i would like suggestions as to how. is there a book that is better than the rest? is there a video we could watch? any suggestion you all could give me would be sooo appreciated! thank you so much. and DS thanks you too!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Congratulations! It is a beautiful language and very important to learn.

There will be differing opinions, but I would urge you to learn/teach American Sign Language (ASL). There are several methods of sign, but as my teacher taught me, ASL is the language of the deaf, not the language of the hearing for the deaf.

There are books and videos available. I would recommend you contact a nearby school for deaf children and ask what they recommend. You will get the best advice from the school community. Also, they may offer classes and you could sign yourself into one and then teach your son. As with any new language it is very helpful to have someone who knows the language to help you practice and learn.

Good luck and thank you!

 

[Jenzebelle]

Good for you!

I learned to sign when I was your DS' age because I have a cousin that was deaf. It was very easy to pick up at that age. I learned through a friend of the family that was an interpreter, from my cousin, and I took classes at the school for the deaf.

Tim's hearing is about 70% in each ear after surgery and with hearing aids, so I can't sign for beans anymore. I keep meaning to take another ASL class.

I agree that you are better off learning ASL. There also might be some interractive computer programs (much like they have for other languages) that would help.
Good luck!

 

[Kermit]

I'd try to take a class at first so that you can get the basics, and then improve your language using books. There are lots of books with good pictures of the signs. If you take a class first, you'll learn tips that will make it easier. Like that the top part of your head is for the masculine signs and the bottom is for feminine signs.

Check out your library and local community colleges for classes. You can also call the closest school for the deaf (usually it's a school for deaf and blind) and see what they recommend. I learned from a woman who taught classes in her home. During the day, she worked as an interpreter for a high school student who was fully integrated in "normal" classes.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I know that Talking Hands here on the DIS would be able to give you some thoughts, here is her profile link to send her a pm if you wish. Talking Hands. I am sure CathyCanada would also have some thoughts too. Good luck.

 

[Serena]

I've thought of this too. I've seen sesame street for years and I just haven't done anything about it yet.

 

[worm761]

thank you all for the suggestions. we dont have a school nearby that i know of or have been able to find. i didnt know that there were different types of signing so i will look out for that.

thank you again! i knew the people of the dis could help.