Dad to Toes and I always planned to introduce Erin to a broader American Sign Language vocabulary than the typical half dozen "Baby Signs" that are so popular with parents these days. But, since she developed spoken language so quickly, we kept putting off learning ASL and broadening Erin's ASL vocabulary. It wasn't really intentional. Time just flew by and the urgency waned.
ASL is often a controversial subject. Strict AVT proponents don't encourage even lip reading in fear that it might detract from the child's ability to develop spoken language. On the opposite side, strict ASL Proponents argue that ASL is a deaf child's "native language" and should be the primary (if not only) form of communication utilized - regardless of what form of communication the child's family uses.
We have always taken a middle-of-the road view on the issue. We have never been the types to buy into any one path - we never felt there was a right or wrong way to teach Erin the skills she needs to succeed in life. So, we are always re-evaluating what Erin's needs are.
We have chosen to encourage lip reading - and as a result, we are able to have basic conversations with her even when she is not in sound. But there are times that Erin misses words and becomes frustrated that she cannot understand what we are saying. When it's an hour past bedtime and she's called us back in for the third time and her processors are in the drying unit... the last thing we want to do is pull out a processor so she can catch the missing word when we are trying to tell her she needs to go to sleep so we'll be ready to visit the *zoo* tomorrow. So, we've realized we need to re-start our ASL introduction.
What I've found really fascinating is that recently Erin has really been showing an interest in learning more signs beyond the baby signs. I don't know that she even understands that this is another language or that she could communicate completely with just her hands, but it's made us really thrilled about learning along with her.
I've been planning to check Signing Time videos out of the library to get things rolling. They are basic and child friendly and I have heard nothing but positive things about them. But I've been concerned that I may have a hard time convincing Erin to replace Blue's Clues with new videos during her TV time.
Then tonight I was checking out new Apps on iTunes and stumbled on the Best App Ever - Signing Time for the iPhone! It demonstrates the same signs that are available on Volumes 1 and 2 of the Signing Time Videos, complete with videos by Rachel Coleman. And all for $4.99. How awesome is that??
Erin loves playing preschool games on my phone when we're in the car or anywhere else she needs a distraction. She is going to flip out when she's checking my phone out the next time and finds a "game" that shows her new signs.
I am so excited that we found a great first step into ASL. Obviously, 48 signs is only a start. I just hope "zoo" is one of them.
