Signing Time Instructors offer classes for children of all ages. These classes are ideal for children with Down syndrome and their parents because they:

• Focus on useful, high-interest signs
  Each Signing Time class features fun games, songs, and stories that work together to hold children’s interest. This helps them to get the repetition and practice they need to learn useful signs they can use every day.
• Offer great socialization opportunities
  Children who have Down syndrome often enjoy social interaction and play a great deal. Signing Time classes introduce them to signs they can use to interact with other children in the class – and with their family at home.

Sign up for a class today!

Find an Instructor in your area

Visit SigningTime.com

When we received the diagnosis of Down Syndrome after my son Robert was born we were inundated with information.  One piece of advice that was given to us was to accept that he would not hit his milestones along with other children, but he would get there eventually on his own time. At 6 months of age he started at his Early Intervention Center, and they stressed the importance of sign language. We are so grateful that we started this right away. He was able to use signs before many of the other kids were talking. He could share with us when he wanted to “eat”, “drink”, or if he needed “more”. By signing we avoided many meltdowns that can occur when a child is not being understood.

Around the time Robert turned four, the first Signing Time DVDs were released. Before then, we only had one VHS tape that was geared towards adults. From the first moment of putting on “My First Signs” Robert was hooked.  He was immediately engaged by the music, colorful backgrounds and, most importantly, Leah and Alex. Here were kids, using sign language! I also enjoyed it as a Mom. Kids’ music can get a little silly, but Rachel has a knack for writing music that is enjoyable to parents.  “In A House” and “Shine” are two of my favorites.

Robert is now 12 and still using a combination of sign language, limited verbal words and a communication device to get his point across. He has spent his school years in a public school in a general education setting. We have been so fortunate to be at a school where they welcomed us in and let us teach his classmates sign language, starting in Kindergarten. Signing Time products have been a huge hit with the students. Robert loves to show his friends “Silly Pizza Song”. His friends love learning sign language along with him using the DVDs. I love that Signing Time keeps coming out with new products and keeps them to a theme!

Our family enjoys signing so much that at the beginning of the summer my youngest son, Max asked “Why don’t you teach sign language?”  I have thought of this over the years but once he mentioned it I logged on to Signing Time and much to my delight saw the posting for becoming a Signing Time Academy Instructor! By the end of the summer my “Starter Kit” arrived in the mail.  Robert could not contain himself. He thought the package was an early birthday/Christmas gift for him. To celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month I will be teaching my first class, starting on October 4th with my son Robert as my assistant.

Signing Time has made the process of learning a second language fun for all! I’m so glad this was introduced to us early on.

Sincerely,

Teri Voorhes

Mom to two wonderful boys Robert (12-DS) and Max (10-Asperger’s)

Pacifica, CA

It’s Tuesday… here’s your sign of the week!

This Week’s Featured Sign: Please

Watch the Video (Click the Image Below to Play) Free QuickTime Player required

Download the Flashcard (click on the image. The file contains a few color and black-and-white options. Print according to your needs.)

This week’s sign comes from:

Baby Signing Time Volume 2 – Here I Go

Created specifically for babies as young as 3 months old up to 3 years, yet fun for the whole family! Features host Rachel Coleman, along with animated Baby Alex, Baby Leah, and Baby Hopkins. Baby Signing Time Volume 2 sets your baby’s day to music as you learn signs for everyday events in baby’s life: getting dressed, traveling, being polite, getting ready for bed, and more.

Buy Now

It’s Tuesday… here’s your sign of the week!

This Week’s Featured Sign: Banana

Watch the Video (Click the Image Below to Play) Free QuickTime Player required

Download the Flashcard (click on the image. The file contains a few color and black-and-white options. Print according to your needs.)

This week’s sign comes from:

Baby Signing Time Vol. 1 – It’s Baby Signing Time

Baby’s first step into signing! The Baby Signing Time Series combines clever songs, animation, and real signing babies – all age two and under – to make signing easy and fun. This is the first DVD in the Baby Signing Time series.

Buy Now

Now that school has started and the days are getting cooler, you may be looking for fun activities your family can do together.  The Signing Time Academy now offers a wide variety of classes that teach American Sign Language signs that your whole family can use for better communication. Choose from:

• One-on-one classes in your home
• Weekly classes for children under 3
• Weekly classes for preschool age and older
• One-time workshops for parents and professionals
• Free informational presentations for parents and professionals

Sign up today for an experience that will positively impact your child’s education and literacy skills for a lifetime.

Continue Reading »