How did you discover Signing Time?

[Kei_as_in_K]

Did someone introduce you to the wonders of Signing Time? Did you find Signing Time through a search engine? Did you read an article or see something on the news?

[Kei_as_in_K]

on one of the Down syndrome boards I belonged to. A mom had posted that a few weeks before, she was at a mall with her daughter and were trotting past a kiosk with a big screen TV and on it were children signing. Her daughter calmed down, and together they watched the kids signing. Then her daughter started signing along w/the video. They bought it, and she went on to say how wonderful it was, and I was sold! Been a huge fan ever since!!

[ST! LeeAnn]

My sister and her family gave Sarah the first Volume on VHS for her first Birthday and we have been hooked since. We love to share them with everyone we can.

[shelirenee]

I found Signing Time through a search engine. Based on the little previews on the site, my son, Keanu, love them and we bought the entire set right then and there. I can't say enough about them and we are always telling everybody who will listen about how wonderful Signing Time is......

[taylorcamel]

I found Signing Time through a computer search. I was looking for additional ways to help my kids learn ASL and was lucky enough to find the Signing Time website. I played a few previews and while I was looking my 1 year old came in and signed train just from seeing it done on the computer. That was all it took to convince me. I ordered the whole set right then. Of course back then there were only 3 shows to the set so it wasn't such an investment. We have since purchased all of the Signing Time products and look forward to many more more more!
Jennifer

[emschwar]

Someone on the wedding channel message board told me about it. We ordered it with Noah's xmas money last year and we've been hooked ever since!

[Teresa Jo]

I post on a parenting message board and Signing Time is mentioned and highly praised a lot!

[lovemy6sweeties]

and am soooo glad that we did! ST! has been a huge blessing to our whole family, and has given us the opportunity to start learning a 2nd (3rd for some of us) language and ability to help our son Brady communicate with us while we wait for his speech to become more clear :)

[kindermom7]

I was introduced to Signing Time when my son, Hayden, was 5 months old. We had attended a Mommy-and-Me playgroup session when Shannon Osbourne (weecansign) did a presentation. I bought the first three volumes and cd, registered for her (Shannon's) classes, and we have been hooked ever since! :) :)

Tasha
Hayden's Mom

[aiden and kyra's mom]

I was looking for some sort of tool to enhance both my daughters and my sign vocabulary. Somehow I stumbled upon the signing time name, did some research and ordered volume one. From there, I was hooked, as were my kids. Kyras vocabulary increased by about 35 signs just from signing time volume one. It was wonderful!

[ajberchielli]

Our family came to signing time just a year ago this month. My friend checked the dvds at the library and then told us about it. We were hooked!!! And instant lifetime fans!!!

Janel & kids

[c01dunlap]

We were already teaching Sophie (26 months, hearing) ASL (to communicate with her deaf adult cousin, and as a 2nd language). Friends of ours were checking out ST from the library, and planning to buy for Christmas. Sophie watched them during a playdate, and we were sold! Got the 1-6 set right away. What a wonderful learning tool (my spouse & I are not fluent in ASL, so we need it too).

Looking forward to 7-9 (of course!).

Have a terrific weekend, all!

- Chris in Columbus, Ohio
Mommy to Sophie (8/2003)

[dmmetler]

I was on the Preemie parenting board at the Pre-eclampsia society quite a bit, and ST was recommended over there. I spent awhile looking for it locally (our local library STINKS when it comes to ASL resources), and finally just bought the whole vol 1-6 set online.

[cwillwood]

but we had not watched it as of yet. Kei kept bugging me to watch them.... and now that we have them.... I keep kicking myself for not getting them sooner!!!! Both my kids love them, and so do I!!! Thanks so much for convincing me Kei!!!

[musictchr1]

I'm a member of another parenting board, and these videos are often recommended when people ask for good things for their DC to watch. We're just starting to use them, but wholeheartedly agree!!

[StaceyHay]

My daughter is non verbal, and a friend mentioned that her mother in law, in Utah, knew of these videos that were very engaging and taught sign language. I ordered the first 3 about 1 year ago and we are hooked. We have all sets and can't wait for 7-9. Signing Time is just what we needed.
Stacey

[jtwine]

I was searching on Amazon to purchase some ASL and D.C materials for ASL classes and Signing Time appeared on a "related items" list.

Peace!

-=- James.

[Jennifer2005]

When my son Benjamin was born, he failed the NY standard Infant Hearing Screening test before he left the hospital. We were sent for a follow up test when he was 2 weeks old. He had failed again. We were sent for an Auditory Brainstem Response test and we were told that he passed. But, Ben is still showing signs of not being able to hear.

My older son Cody was very distraught by all of this "new information". It is a lot for a 5 year-old to handle. We turned to his teacher at school and she told our family to search for a site called Signing Time.

We didn't have the money a few months ago to purchase any of the videos. (I am proud to say that I pre-ordered the new 1-9 set last week for a holiday gift!) I was able to download the coloring books and activities and he really enjoyed them. We were able to borrow a few videos from our local library. Cody absolutely loves them. His 2 year-old sister, Suzanne, is just starting to get into watching them too.

We're still working with Ben. Today he is 7 months old. He does not react to many noises... especially with his right ear. And, his only form of communicating with us is either growling, "ahh," or touching you; he doesn't even really cry. He knows the sign for milk and eat. He has not performed the signs yet. He does get excited though when I show him the signs, he knows he is going to eat. We're waiting for further evaluation to find out if there is somthing to be worried about or if Ben is just a little slower than his siblings.

I have to say that Signing Time is GREAT! :)

[Kei_as_in_K]

:p

Kei kept bugging me to watch them.... and now that we have them.... I keep kicking myself for not getting them sooner!!!! Both my kids love them, and so do I!!!
:D

[Kei_as_in_K]

I found it through the same Mom as Kei :)
Now we need to Cathy to register here... she is so responsible for a lot of our DS board getting addicted, I mean... started on Signing Time!
:D

[cmja502]

We found Signing Time through one of our homeschool groups. We have used ST for about 2 and a half years to help aid us in learning sign language as our second language for school and LOVE it. I pre-order as soon as we hear there are more available. :0) I was one of the Yahoo group members. I remember there were less than 100 when I joined... boy look at us now! :D

[aligreat]

I found ST on Amazon. I was researching tools to use with my Deaf daughter. I wanted something in ASL specifically, but beyond that I didn't know. I was reading the reviews, and the only negative comment from anyone on ST 1-3 was "Why would you want to teach a 2 year-old how to sign 'cookie'???" I loved 1-3, and so I pre-ordered 4-6 and BST. I can't wait for 7-9 etc.

[colleencondon]

Emily (Emschwar) introduced me to them on the Wedding Channel parenting message board.

[flippet]

When my son was 10 months, I heard about ST on a parenting board, probably BabyCenter. It looked great, so I bought and was hooked. And then I found out that my stepbrother and his wife know Rachel (Lucy and their son had the same doc), so finding a roundabout link was kind of neat. I adore all the ST volumes, and I recommend them to everyone I can.



I had learned a bit of ASL as a kid--one of my scouting leaders had a Deaf son, and another leader was also fluent in ASL. I later worked for that leader's sister in a bakery, and she employed two Deaf bakers. I didn't learn as much as I wanted to and should have, but ST makes it so easy to learn vocabulary. I wish there were something out there like it to make learning complete grammar/syntax etc. just as easy! But because of my past experience with ASL, I knew that I wanted to use it with my kids, mostly because it's just so much fun. Any communicative benefit is a bonus. :)

[kerryann]

I found St on Amazon after my son really took a liking to the Einstein Baby Wordsworth, so I searched amazon for any ASL videos. We started with 4-6, since he already had most of the signs in 1-3 and we have pre ordered 7-9. I can't wait, only DH said I can not open them till xmas.

[kimberly]

My children are lucky to have Emilie Brown (co-creator/sister of Rachel) as their aunt. She gave My First Signs to them as a gift when it was first released. So, although I might look like I have an alterior motive in spreading the word about Signing Time, I am actually an avid fan, as are my children!

Kimberly
Carter 11/01
Jacob 4/03
Allison 3/05

[jennebeker]

My nephew is nine months older than my daughter and my brother said they borrowed this great video from a nieghbor. My nephew, Sam, is all boy, and then some . . . and ST caught his attention, helped him hold still briefly, and gave him another way to communicate. I don't think they've stayed with ST as Sammy's gotten older, but we've plunged in. We borrowed them from our library - Ivy, my daughter loved them, and we bought them to watch in the moving van last summer as we drove from Upstate NY back to the San Francisco Bay Area . . . 6 days in a moving van with a 2 year old . . . all was well, thanks to the portable DVD player and a very patient little girl.

[Chris]

I found out about Signing Time on a Down syndrome website. I think they are the best. :D

Chris

[Krista]

Someone in my play group saw me signing to my kids, and she told me about ST. We've been hooked ever since. ;)

[rmorrow]

I wanted something to help my (then) 3 year old pick his signs back up some as we started teaching them to my younger son. I went searching on google, found Signing Time and was immediately thrilled. I ordered volume 1 and my 3 year old knew all the signs in 5 days. I loved it from the start. I ordered the set with the first 6 (and passed my lone ST Volume 1 on to my babysitter). I'm now an ST retailer and a Sign2Me presenter. Signing Time and an interpreter-in-training nanny for 6 months was just the kick I needed to remind me how much I enjoyed my interpreter training way back in 1990.

Robyn

[MomofJBN]

I found them through Amazon. I was actually thinking of purchasing a different signing video that I'd heard about from a catalogue, but the reviews for that video said that ST was better. So then I checked out the ST website. I got 1 - 3 then (early summer, 2004). I pre-ordered 4 - 6 and 7 - 9 as they became available. We are a little past the BST stage, but I did give BST 1 & 2 to my nephew when he was born.

My 9 yr old had mild - moderate bilateral sensironeural loss which is a big contributing factor in my wanting our family to learn ASL. However, I was never quite sure how into the videos he was. He just happened to be walking past the computer when I got the e-mail announcing 7 - 9. He was very excited by the news and wanted them right away! That was a pleasant surprise for me because I always thought that my youngest was the most interested in the videos.

I just wish these videos had been around when mine were small, but since Jonathan is the same age as Leah, I guess that's too much to ask. ;) We did baby signs with him (we didn't know yet about his hearing loss), but dropped them once he was talking because we didn't know how to expand our vocabulary.

I'll stop here, since I seem to have started rambling. :rolleyes:

[Mel W-K]

We heard through a friend who is a pre-school teacher for disabled kids that signing is great for pre-verbal kids. My husband looked around on the internet and found ST! We have loved it ever since. And, that was 4 years ago. My daughter did her first sign at 8 months old and was a whiz at signing. My son, on the other hand tends to make up his own signs a lot but loves to watch ST.


Imagine my surprise when I found out that Rachel, et al live in Salt Lake, we do too! Since then I have become a retailer, I've had my kids in the videos, sold videos to a ton of friends and even gotten them in some videos as well. Emma, cute brunette in a pink shirt and little piggy tails and Chloe who is Japanese in a yellow shirt, both in BST.

Now my husband thinks I'm a little nutso when it comes to ST. Of course, I have to have the latest and greatest--and make sure all my friends & customers have it as well. I listen to it in the car (even when my kids aren't with me ;) ). What can I say? Its been the greatest find.

The other day I had friends over and her 4 month old was fussy. So I put on BST and every kid who was there came straight to the TV. I had every age group. Ages 8, 6, 4, 18 mos & 4 mos. All the kids were signing and singing. The parents were amazed. The mom to the older kids bought vols 1-6 right then!

[kilikicurran]

It's been a while, I've actually forgot, but I think it was just from looking on Amazon for ASL products.

About 6 years ago I had heard about signing with hearing babies & always knew I wanted to do it. When my 18 month old was born I was looking for resources & think that's where I came across ST. I don't remember when I ordered the 1st volume, but have not looked back since!! I sure hope DH has 7-9 ordered!

I've got a friend that's 24weeks pregnant and was just here for dinner. She think's it's so cool that Brady signs so well. I've given her all my info! I hope she will be a ST convert!! I want someone to "talk" to.

[signsofearlylife]

I'm a Presenter with Sign2Me (the Sign with your Baby company), and when I first started with them, I heard rave reviews from other Presenters at every turn. So many of the Presenters were using Signing Time! in their classes, besides being ST retailers as well. I knew I'd better check out what all the fuss was and I (and my little ones) were immediately hooked!!! Now, I use Signing Time! in my classes, and am a retailer, too.

My almost 3 year old and almost 1 year old love ST at least as much as I do. They get to watch one video a day, and they always pick ST. My son knows that if he's sick, he may get to watch an extra video, so sometimes I hear, "Mom, I don't feel very well", or "I'm just having a hard time today" and then the request to watch just one more ST.

Now, I tell EVERYONE about Signing Time (and not just so they can buy it from me, but because I LOVE it!!!). I have 17 nieces and nephews of varying ages and they love to watch it, too.

Just tonight in the van on a long drive home, my almost 1 year old was crying and when all the normal tricks didn't work, I put in Volumes 4-6 CD and she immediately settled down enough to fall asleep. Did I mention that I LOVE ST????

Emma
www.signsofearlylife.com

[Rachel]

It is exciting to me to see how many of you have heard about ST! through word of mouth! Thank you! AND keep it up! Sounds to me like word of mouth is #1---------

[kimberly]

As far as spreading the word of ST!, I would just love to see the way the word has traveled. We received the first volumes as soon as they were released. I remember when I told the mom's in my playgroup about ST!, but they already knew! Same with the ladies at my church. News of ST! has spread far and wide very rapidly. Of course, only the best products have that kind of impact!

[earthdaymommy]

My best friend introduced me to ST. It was the neatest thing, but couldn't get anyone to believe that it would work. Went to visit my friend while my DH was deployed and when we returned my daughter was signing many many things already...in just 2wks!! Suddenly everyone was helping me buy the videos, now I swear by them. I tell my friends that it is the best thing ever...I am going ot buy a ST tee for my daughter because she is definately my little ST kiddo.

[amiller]

We learned about ST! from our speech therapist when Anyka was 8 months old. We were so taken with the first volume we had to have the others!

[momstcyr]

We learned of signing time through kei, and all her (and everyone else invloved) hard work bringing signing time to Charlemont. I hadn't used sign before then, and neither had my kids, but my daughter who is in preschool learned the songs that her class was performing very quickly and I went to the seminar that weekend and picked up a few myself. By the time the weekend was over even my 2 yr old son was signing please and thank you and cat and dog and frog and bird and boy and girl ect.ect. and I had bought 1-6.

I (much to my dismay) put them away for christmas, but I pulled volume 6 out last week and told my kids I
"borrowed" it from a friend lol and they love it as I knew they would and so do I. After the last few days of it they are signing up a storm and I cant get colors of the rainbow out of my head! lol I have been singing it for days now! I am amazed at how quickly I myself have picked up the signs in 6, after watching it once I can sit and sing and sign right along (though keeping up is an issue lol I have to think still). I am so hooked for life on this product and I am so thankful to Kei and everyone at signing time for these DVD's. Anything that expands the horizon for my kids is awsome and signing time is so much fun no one in my house can resist!

[froggy]

My former roommate was going into speech therapy and one day when she was visiting was talking about signing with children and taught our daughter "more". I was totally thrilled, but didn't know what to do since I didn't know any sign myself. I happened to bring it up in conversation with a friend (who's son is verbally delayed) and she told me about a great video that teaches sign and it has kids that sign as well. She let me borrow the first volume and I was hooked! My daughter loved the video and asked to watch it all the time. Since then, we have made sure to have all the videos when they come out (except for BST - which will have to wait for $$$$$).

[LisafromNY]

I laughed and laughed at my husband who bought $60 worth of 'signing videos' for our then 2.8 yr old nonverbal autistic son. I laughed because at the time he traveled 5 days out of the week and never knew what was going on with his ABA team. I was tired being 6-8 months pregnant with our 2nd boy and having to deal with the diagnosis and a busy ABA therapy schedule. I could not believe my very private husband opened up to a client about our son's newly diagnosis. The client's family who's daughter was 'losing her hearing' found Signing Time a quick learn and Godsend. Lemme tell you, I'm no doubting Thomas!!

[amiller]

I Lemme tell you, I'm no doubting Thomas!!

Ah, a convert! LOL - I love the photo on your signature!

[mirjill]

I am on another board for Moms who cloth diaper and someone said they saw a baby dancing in a cloth diaper on a Signing Time video clip. I wondered what it was, so I clicked on the link and ... love it! So glad I heard about it. Shortly thereafter, I was talking to some moms at church and one said that she had those and I could borrow one to see if Jill liked it. We just get them from the library now but I'm hoping to buy some with my Christmas money! My Jill will go crazy over the animal ones!!! :D

[bethsmommie]

A friend of mine had used them when she babysat her niece, loaned us Vol 1 and 3, and we were hooked. Beth was 6 months at the time, started signing "milk" for everything at 7 months and then correctly at 8 months. After that, we haven't been able to stop her. Most of her first words also came with signs, too. We bought the whole set with our tax refund check, then I couldn't live without the BST set when it came out. I plan to buy 7-12 with the next tax refund!

[Mommy to Jaiden & Donovan]

I searched for sign language videos...on EBAY!! I admit, I'm a total EBAY addict. After reviewing several selections I went onto Signing Time's website and knew it would be just right for my speech delayed son. He is now almost 3 and his sister just turned 1. Both love Signing Time. My son loves to sign train and swing. My little girl loves to eat and will follow anybody with a snack signing more! Can't wait for 7 8 9.
Kendra

[Risa]

I heard Rachel on the radio. Someone had nominated her as an "amazing woman" so they interviewed her. I had some interest in ASL but thought it too difficult to learn. When I heard Rachel I got so excited, I ran to the library to check out the videos and have been hooked ever since.

[bobica]

Rachel's Today Show appearance :D I was so excited to see it. DD was a few months old & I went online & ordered set 1 that day! I always knew i'd sign with her. I was very fortunate to have dd at a time when signing has become less of an *oddity* to those not in the "know" ;)

[030204mom]

I told a friend my ped was concerned my 12 month old didn't have any words yet and she recommended them. I bought 1-3 right away. We now have 4-6, and 7-9 have been shipped! My daughter is now 21 months has at least 60+ signs and is now saying about 6 words! Go Signing Time! It has been such a communication aid for us!

On a separate note, my older daughter (age 6) is also a signing pro. Her class did a poem for Thankgiving and she taught the whole class to sign the poem just from her ST knowledge ("thank you for apples red, and yellow corn, green trees", etc.) Her teacher said "I am so impressed she knows all these signs!" I thought to myself "You should see my 1 year old!" But I just smiled and credited Signing Time.

-Kelly

[pbg&g]

We received the "Everyday Signs" DVD as a gift when our first daughter was an infant, but we delayed watching it. We taught her babysign (Garcia book and video) to help her communication and she immediately took to it. Around 18 months we began playing the ST DVD for her and she was simply spellbound by it. She quickly learned every single sign and loved and never tired of it. This Christmas, I finally was able to purchase a few more of the DVDs for her (vols. 1, 2 and 4), and she loves them (as do me and my wife). :)

-Bob

[HanaHhouProductions]

We were at the airport in Albany, NY coming back to IL from a camping trip, when we began talking to another family about ASL. She had recommended the Garcia book/DVD. When I went to Amazon.com I ordered Garcia's book, but I also did a search and found a link to the Signing Time DVD, so I ordered Vol. 1 based upon all the positive reviews. Well lets just say we watched the Garcia one once and didn't even finish the Video. It's Signing Time for us all the way - the songs, the colors - it's just perfect :)

[amiller]

What cure kids! I am glad you found ST! and that is has worked well for you.

[3LittleBees]

I started subscribing to The Old Schoolhouse (a homeschooling magazine). It had an article about the twins that were on Meet the Fockers. I read the article jumped on to the internet to check out the site. I shared the info with my husband and have been hooked on it ever since.

[beccannicksmom]

My name Is Rachel and I live in Ontario Canada. My sister introduced signing time to us. Her son and daughter really enjoyed signing time. She had borrowed volume 3 from the Library. My 3 yr old daughter Becca LOVED signing time and quickly learned the signs from the video. I told my mom about the series and she ordered volume 1-6 for the children for christmas. My daughters friends come over all the time to watch it. My 7 year old son alsos loves it. Becca was boen with a slight hearing loss due to fluid in her ears and has tubes put in. She is still having slight problems with her hearing. We love to sign and think it is a wonderful series.

[TRIPLETMOM]

Signing Time was recommended to me a few years ago by another triplet mom who heard about it from a chat room/ message board on The Triplet Connection (TheTripletConnection.org). At the time, my triplets had just turned two, and were not talking yet. Over the next year, each of them would be diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. They were all enrolled in our public school system's early intervention program at age two, and the SLP used MINIMAL signing during the program. I purchased volumes one, two and three. Here's what happened with each of my kids...

My son took a great interest in the videos. Soon, he was using about 50 signs. It was glorious, and so much fun. One pitfall: do not sign "more" while on the swing. His SLP at school did not believe that he was using these signs so extensively at home. One day, she showed him a flashcard for rain, to try to get him to say "rain," and he responded with the sign for "wet," which I had to clue her in on. He was still nonverbal, and using the signs when he started school again in the fall just before turning three years old. His only verbal was "Mmmm" which meant "yes." At the end of October, he started talking. By early December, he was reciting the entire "Muppet Family Christmas." That was December, 2004, and this year, he no longer quoted the "Muppet Family Christmas" in such a fashion (which I later discovered was echolalia). It happenned that fast, and once he started speaking, he stopped using the signs. Now, we use them for "fun," and for the benefit of one of his sisters....read on...

Daughter #1 also was not speaking when we introduced her to Signing Time at age two. She did some signing, although she didn't use it as extensively as my son, and she started to speak by age two-and-a-half. She enjoyed the signing, but I do not believe it was as much an integral part of her communcation.

Daughter #2 is the one that we were most concerned with when we enrolled them in the early intervention program at age two. We would soon find out that she was moderately autistic and, later, her sister was also diagnosed with ASD and her brother with PDD. Shortly after age two, we introduced Signing Time. Her eye contact was very poor, but certain videos could fully capture her attention, most notably, Sesame Street and Signing Time. She would even "play along" with Alex and Leah as they hid and then popped up during the introduction. Despite all of our efforts and our continued use of the video and reinforcement at home (and with her brother using the signs extensively over the next year), Daughter #2 seldom ever used signs....(sometimes "cookie" and "cheese" but not with much regularity).

With the other two talking shortly after age three, I stopped showing the videos, and signing pretty much fell by the wayside since daughter #2 was not very interested (teachers at school had been trying to persuade her for over a year to sign "more" to no avail). Then one day, when daughter #2 was 3 years and 11 months old, I told her to put on her socks, and she signed "socks." I just about fell over. We hadn't seen the videos for about 10 months, and were not signing anymore around the house, and even when we did sign, "socks" was not a very popular sign around our house. So I started to show the videos again and reinforce everything with signing. Not only did she start signing the words, she started SAYING a lot of the words, too. And within two weeks, she went from five to seventy-five words, the first of these being from the signing time videos. That was four months ago, and I wish I could say the progress has been steady ever since - it hasn't been - but it's remarkable, like finally her brain was ready for all of this. And now she is signing many words that she still does not say. I know she relies very heavily on the visual. She may also have apraxia....just starting to learn about that. We have a lot of hope....her brother and sister are doing very well, and we are still working very hard with her. One of her words (she asks it like a question) is: "Signing?" It's how she asks to watch "Signing Time." Santa Claus brough volumes 4, 5 and 6 and volumes 1, 2 and 3 are on loan to her teacher so she can better understand some of the things that my daughter does say.

I know this was a little long.....thanks, Signing Time!

[shawnaerin]

When we were registering for our first pregnancy, my husband and I saw a "Baby Signs" book on Amazon...after reading it and wanting to pursue signing with our daughter, we purchased a Baby Signs video, which was just AWFUL. Then my sister in law, Janine, told us about Signing Time, and we saw it and loved it! Needless to say, we are hooked, and take every opportunity we can to tell others about Signing Time. It truly is the best of it's kind!

[LuvBeingAMom]

My daughters were born premature and spent a long time in the NICU. Since they came home we have had OT, DT, PT and speech. Our speech therapist is fantastic and she lent us the 2nd and 3rd volumes. Our girls loved them and we soon were signing to them and seeing 2 of them sign back. Our DT has a son with Down Syndrome and she is also a huge fan. Her son has just started school and he loves teaching other kids how to sign. One of our daughters was born with a cleft palate and severe GERD. She has had several surgeries and she began signing about 6 weeks ago. She has still not spoken any words yet. We have vol. 1-9 now and watch at least 3 or 4 a day. Also, the cd's are great in the car. We can't wait for vol 10-13!

[Jennifer3141]

Muzzy brought us!

I am a huge believer in teaching my children other languages since I want my children to be citizens of the entire world. We've been doing Muzzy German and when the new catalogue came out, ST 1-6 was in it! Since I'm teaching my children to speak with children in other countries, it makes sense to me to help them communicate with any deaf children they will encounter.

(Don't tell Muzzy, but we like ST more! lol)

We're definately in love with ST and I'm hoping to help DD communicate without the need for tantrums and that DS will have fewer of them with ST's help too.

Jen

[momgael]

are going like hotcakes in our EI program. We bought 2 complete sets (well I am behind now, because I don't have the newest set.) We let families borrow them for a month at a time to 'preview' or if they are limited in income. I just got an e-mail from our Developmental Specialist stating that she doesn't have ENOUGH to loan out, she is getting so many requests!

I hope to see some familiar names posting soon!

[Rachel]

I just got an e-mail from our Developmental Specialist stating that she doesn't have ENOUGH to loan out, she is getting so many requests!
I hope to see some familiar names posting soon!

The other day I was talking with one of my friends who works at the Salt Lake County Library. She also mentioned that Signing Time is never on the shelves since there is always a long waiting list for it. I suggested that the library order some more copies. She seemed surprised that she hadn't thought of that! So... sometimes for the institutions, libraries and schools you might make that suggestion. If you notice they only have Volumes 1-3 let them know there are 6 additional volumes. If they only have 1-6.. you get the point :-) Also make sure they are aware that Signing Time Books are available.

[momgael]

too! I haven't seen those since I opened the box (they are on loan to families, as well). Each of the counties here in North Carolina has a lending library for childcare programs and families. I have requested that they purchase complete sets, as well. They said they would try to include it in the purchase plan for the next grant cycle.

I also did a signing story time based on using colors (using the Rainbow Song) and a flannel story for all of the local libraries. They are also going to request a complete set in their next grant cylce (Since there are 7 libraries I recommended more, but that's what they thought the board would approve.)

That way our little EI agency has some other resources for parents. Our little ones are signing away, though!

[momgael]

I forgot to say that when I did my presentations at the library, I would ask the children if they knew anyone that used sign language to communicate. At one of the libraries, a little boy jumped up and shouted, "My friends, Alex and Leah!" It was very cute!

[c01dunlap]

I forgot to say that when I did my presentations at the library, I would ask the children if they knew anyone that used sign language to communicate. At one of the libraries, a little boy jumped up and shouted, "My friends, Alex and Leah!" It was very cute!
Oh, I love it! How cute. :p

[bigred1]

Unfortunately I don't remember how I learned about Signing Time. I think I read an article about the benefits of signing to young children of all abilities and then found ST on Amazon. (This was right before my triplet nephews were born almost 5 years ago.) We signed with them for a couple of years while I was there helping to care for them.

Then my daughter was born 2 years ago. We started watching ST with her when she was about 8 months old. She started signing back to us almost right away and by 1 year old was signing to us to tell us she was hungry and what she wanted to eat. She just turned 2 and we've kept up with the signing. This last week she made up her own namesigns for herself (her name is Amber) and for Mickey Mouse (her favorite friend).

I strongly believe that ST has helped her develop her vocabulary and reduce the tantrums from not being understood. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

[Darlene, NC]

We wanted to teach signs to our daugther, so I checked out a Signing Time video from the library. Eventually we bought our own dvd's because we loved them so much!
Darlene, NC

[fia's mom]

I was introduced to signing time by a deaf mom at the ice rink where my oldest daughter trains. She saw my 8 1/2 month old, Sophia, with her hearing aid and came up to talk to me about her. She told me about ST and I jumped online immediately when I got home. I ordered BST and the flash cards. They just came in yesterday and we love them. :) My 2 year old was hooked the minute I went online and has asked for ST everyday while we waited for our package. We will be ordering the rest shortly.


Bridget
Elkton, MD

mom of Shiori, Emily, Sabrina, and Sophia

[gran2sophie]

Hi Bridget,

I noticed your nickname for Sophia. My granddaughter is also named Sophia and is also 8 1/2 months old. I call her Fia too! hadn't heard anyone else using that nickname until you!

I found out about BST through another message board for baby signing. Sophia and I LOVE BST - so far we're only working with the first dvd.

[crissy]

I started watching the PBS version when it started airing a few weeks ago. I love it! I can't wait to get the dvd's.

[Chelsea&Hailey'sMom]

Came to my best friend's childrens school! She raved about it and I have just purchased the first to DVD Volumes and BST.

[mightyoaks]

We discovered them the first time over a year ago at our library when we were trying to encourage my youngest to use expressive language... either through speech or sign. We loved them! Unfortunately my toddler was not interested in TV unless Pollyanna was on so it was a bust as far as she was concerned. Then our first of four attempts came to bring our adopted son home. Once we brought him home we unplugged our TV for various reasons related to bonding.

Once we started checking out videos at the library again, the first on my older children's list was ST videos. That was a couple of months ago. Last month I was sick with the stomach flu and a head cold so my kids watched videos most of the day while I laid on the couch. We homeschool and I don't allow much, if any, TV before 2 p.m. unless it's an educational video for schoool. When I'm sick, they can watch all the educational videos they want. :D

We happened to have ST videos from the library so they watched for hours a day for several days in a row. My adopted son started speaking English in full sentences and my youngest started signing. In that time I also learned that there were more than the first three videos and a website. I was sold on them so I bought the whole set, have the next set pre-ordered, and we're huge fans now. LOL

[Dinman08]

My grandson's therapist suggested we begin sign language as an alternative form of communication until he is able to talk which may be 4-5 years old. He has Digeorge Syndrome. I began a search on the internet for help in learning to sign for myself so that I could help him. I found signing times and was thrilled. I ordered the first 3 volumes as that was all that was available. since then, I have ordered all volumes and the hard back books. My 23 month old grandson signs many words now, however, my 5, 7, and 9 year old grandchildren sign almost everything on the videos. If I forget one, I only have to ask the 5 year old and she can tell me. This has been such a blessing to my family. I thank God everyday for the work they are doing and the products they are producing. Can't wait for the next set. Going to suggest to the Kindergarden class teacher that they incorporate it into the school curriculum when my granddaughter starts next year. thank you again .....Darlene

[jenml]

My grandson's therapist suggested we begin sign language as an alternative form of communication until he is able to talk which may be 4-5 years old. He has Digeorge Syndrome. Darlene
Darlene,
Someone named Pam just wrote about her daughter having Digeorge syndrome (but I got it on my email, and not part of the forum, though someone directed her to the forum. She was telling us all how her daughter just signed her first and second signs (and how proud she is!!!!). I wonder if you two should chat...
Pam... are you reading this?

[c01dunlap]

Darlene,

Based on Jen's reminder post about Pam's, I also posted a link to your post here on the alexandleah group. If that makes no sense, don't worry (I'm sleep-deprived again, lol). Hopefully you'll find eachother. :)

[mizresa]

I had been studying ASL in college in Oklahoma which actually has an ASL accredidation course. This was 17 years ago now. My husband re-uped for the military 2 kids and 5 countries in 19 years have limited my abilities to attend college. You know, couple of classes here, couple there. My son was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 and so I had been working with him on and off with it for a couple of years. But once he started talking we kind of gave it up.
Fast forward to the here and now. We are in North Carolina and our family is a member of The ARC. They were holding some ASL begining classes for anyone interested. I was THRILLED! I have never lost my interest in sign and decided to use it as a "refresher". Our teacher in the classroom actually works in a local High School and teaches ASL there. She showed us "The Rainbow Song" in class and I was HOOKED. I have since ordered and recieved 1-9 and have pre-ordered the new set. My children are loving it and are actually using it at home as well as at school. I volunteer twice a week in my daughters class (my son won't work if I am in his) and the kids are practically jumping on me the moment I walk in. "What's the sign for ...". It has been a blast and the teacher is as enthused as the kids.

Resa

[momgael]

Where in North Carolina are you? We are in Fayetteville!

Nickie

[BethEllen4]

My mother-in-law accidenty picked it up at the library one day when she was looking for movies that Ady might be interested in watching. It was the only show that Ady watched. She was dancing to all the songs and laughing, so I was hooked and got them all! Now we have to sing the songs in the car wherever we go!

[3Beez]

Being a water safety instructor/swim lessons teacher, I had a few DHH children so I was avid to expand what little knowlegde of signing I had. The one mother gave me tons of things to check out online and when I typed (in google) something along the lines of Sign Languages movies, ST! was right there and we've been addicted ever since. Now I spread the word by mouth or e-mail!!!!

[learning2sign]

I homeschool our children and I have always wanted learn
signing since I was little and I also wanted to learn spanish
so This year We are together as a family taking on signing.
I tried out the library first then searched on the internet b/c I wanted a video b/c I am a visual learner and that is how I stepped into signing time I oredered the whole set for Christmas for our children and we watch it over and over.
We now have the new vol. 10-13.
I am hooked and so is the whole family including daddy!
Carri Momma to seven
Indiana :)

[tara30us]

I found it on ebay, looking for sign language videos for children

[blusafyre]

I discovered it when other moms from several other message boards mentioned it.

[archer210]

Most say they found it through a search engine. I found it the hard way. My daughter was found to have a progressive hearing loss in May '03'. After two years of gentle fighting with the school system in town we finely got her into "The learning center for deaf children" in Framingham MA(TLC for short). part of the school program in preschool is the teacher comes to the house once a month to talk to the parents. First time the teacher came to the house we asked for help learning sign. the teacher then set our daughter home with a ST video the next week. later we went online and purchased the entire set (vol. 1-13). it's been a long but helpful process.

[Shell&Huntersmom]

We first seen ST on PBS and had such a hard time finding it again and again. Finally we caught the show on again and I wrote down the web site address, ordered our first set and we're all happy as bee's...watching it anytime we want to! :D Thank you Rachel, Leah, and Alex!

[JeniJJ]

HI,
I found signing time with my TIVO (best invention ever so far!). It has a feature where you can make a wish list and it will look for programs containing what's on your wish list. I made a wish for sign language and Signing Time! came up. I watched it and was hooked! I"ve been learning so much! :)

[Cees]

We were at the library in March or so of this year and looking at movies to check out. My oldest daughter held up a Signing Time DVD and asked me, "What's this?" I read the back cover and then told them it taught sign language and we were all excited! The kids didn't know much about signing but we always did the "I love you" sign to each other, and I'd always wanted to learn ASL. We took it home and watched it and by the time the Silly Pizza Song came on (it was volume 3), we were all hooked! They had to watch the song over and over until they had it memorized. :D

[Mplus1]

Faith and I were just watching TV one sunday morning and ST! came on. We were hooked! Now, I'm trying to get together a ST! playgroup in my area. Maybe I can get more people addicted the way we are! Which I'm sure we can. All I need to do is make up some flyers and we'll be on our way. :D

[c01dunlap]

Faith and I were just watching TV one sunday morning and ST! came on. We were hooked! Now, I'm trying to get together a ST! playgroup in my area. Maybe I can get more people addicted the way we are! Which I'm sure we can. All I need to do is make up some flyers and we'll be on our way. :D
Not posters, but for directing your group, ST! has given us a couple of signs. See http://www.signingtime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=694 . I *think* they'll be working on a few more Playgroup things, so keep an eye on the Playgroups forum.

[Nana Kathy]

Did someone introduce you to the wonders of Signing Time? Did you find Signing Time through a search engine? Did you read an article or see something on the news?

My grandson has Apraxia and to help his frustration we were introduced to signing. I searched the web for information on signing and came across Signing Time. It has helped sooo much! We have bought every DVD, some of the books, T-Shirt, etc. He has picked up on the signing so well and we learned right along with him.

[Breger3]

I was looking through the guide on my tv to find something to watch, and saw it. I turned it on, so I could learn some signs, something I've wanted to do for a while, and my duaghter ended up getting hooked as well!

[Orah]

I found Signing Time at the library when looking for something for my daughter. I knew signing was supposed to be good, so I did a search and took home a number of different DVD's. And I liked ST, and she loves it now. We've been a ST family for 15-20 months now. And our second son 5 months, is just beginning.

[Motherhood]

I discovered ST in a Sign2Me class that my oldest DD and I took in December 2004. Since then, I've been happy to recommend it to many other moms, including my sister-in-law, who has a boy with a major speech delay. Watching my nephew watching ST was like watching a light bulb turn on inside him. It was THE biggest factor in the beginning of his language communication - both spoken and signed. Now my SIL has spread the word to preschool teachers and all the moms she meets. Word is definetly getting around!

DD LOVES to sign everywhere to everyone! She catches the attention of people everywhere, which leads many people to ask me about her signing. I just ordered a ST t-shirt for DD, which DD is very excited about, so we'll be spreading the word even more now!

[sacmom]

I found ST on an Autism forum about a year and a half ago. :)

[5TAL55]

I was visiting a friend's house this summer, when a friend of her's came over with her deaf daughter. We were all watching the kids play around the pool and the mother was signing to her daughter. Well, I had taken a few ASL classes so I could read what they were saying and I commented in English on something. Anyway the mother asked if I knew ASL and I said a little, and I had been trying to teach the kids, but I was having a difficult time of it. She told me about the Signing Time Videos. So I checked them all out of the library and we have been watching every day ever since. I hate the idea of returning them. Maybe Santa will bring them for Christmas!!

I have told several friends about them and I even found out that my brother owns several of the video's. I can't wait until the next time our kids get together so they can sign and watch together.

[kilikicurran]

I have told several friends about them and I even found out that my brother owns several of the video's. I can't wait until the next time our kids get together so they can sign and watch together.


I can't believe your brother had these WONDERFUL videos and did not SHARE with you :eek: You better beat his tail!!! :D

Welcome to the FANatics club!!! ;)

[c01dunlap]

...I even found out that my brother owns several of the video's. I can't wait until the next time our kids get together so they can sign and watch together.
How cool is that?? That is great!!

I've been trying to get Sophie's cousins into Signing Time, but so far, I've basically lost my Vol. 1 DVD to one set of parents, and the other "target" cousin's mom feels that the couple of signs that her 4-yr-old son has learned at preschool over several months is enough. :( Gotta really work that one -- this cousin is on adult Deaf cousin Joy's side of the family. Huff. No excuses for Sophie's generation to not be fluent!!!! Sounds like time for another sleepover... hee hee.

[kilikicurran]

I've basically lost my Vol. 1 DVD to one set of parents,
OH NO...see, there's your 1st problem...:D Mine will NOT leave my house!!!



the other "target" cousin's mom feels that the couple of signs that her 4-yr-old son has learned at preschool over several months is enough. :(


THAT is so sad!!!!! Why don't these parents see how exciting it is to share this with their children??? It irritates me DAILY!!!

If anyone can convert them...you can CHRIS!!! I know you can do it!!!:D

[c01dunlap]

...If anyone can convert them...you can CHRIS!!! I know you can do it!!!:D
Thanks, Christy!!

I am realizing as I think about it that I need to do some EDUCATING on the concept of ASL vs. "guesturing". I sometimes forget that those who grew up with Joy have a lifetime's worth of mis-belief that ASL is just a bunch of vocabulary in guesturing form. AND that many of those cousins (I'm sure including the 4-yr-old's mom) at one time or another tried to learn a bit of sign using books or other VERY FRUSTRATING methods.

So, will also work to UNdo the incorrect assumptions in parallel.

[5TAL55]

I can't believe your brother had these WONDERFUL videos and did not SHARE with you :eek: You better beat his tail!!! :D

The funny thing is I found out he had the videos, when I called to tell him about my wonderful discovery of ST! He was like - "ya, we have several of those, J just loves Alex and Leah - my wife orders them off the website." :rolleyes:

I had to just laugh about it. Unfortunately we don't talk often and we see each other maybe once a year. :(

[faux56]

I found out about ST. one morning while I was up nursing my baby. I almost fell over. I couldn't believe there was a series out there like this and I didn't know about it. It is on PBS here in Chicago at 6:00 am. on Sundays. Not a time I would have normally been up if it was not for the baby.

My three year old took to it like you would not believe. He has memorized all of them. I have to watch them every now and them just to remember what he is signing to me. LOL My memory is shot! :o

I can't wait for the new video to come out.

My now 6 month old has been watching the video's like crazy. I'm waiting for him to start signing. I know it is just around the corner.

Maria

[ErinPie]

We adopted our Daughter from China 6 months ago when she was 16 months old. We decided long before we even knew who she was we would use sign to help with the language transition.

While in China Alexia was only exposed to a local dialect of Chinese, she never heard a word of english prior to our united day. Alexia being ESL (English Second Language) is having prolonged periods of "Silence" while she decodes this new language. English and Chinese are vastly different, absolutely no similarities.

Alexia picked up basic signs very quickly, Eat, Milk, More, Please, and Thank You. We bought her some signing board books and after a couple of weeks of us going over the books with her I would walk in on her playing with the books herself going from page to page doing the signs she could, the correct sign that was on the page. Now she has a signing vocabulary of about 40 words.

We found Signing Time by accident when we turned on our local PBS station one morning. I set the DVR to record and have all 13 episodes saved. She LOVES it. She acts like "Miss" Rachel, Alex, and Leah are friends who have come over to play for 30 minutes. She even asks for it by name, her sign right now for signing is to put her two index fingers straight up in the air and then she touches her wrist for time. It is too cute.

Thank You for a fun and engaging experience.

Erin Pietrasik
Mom to Alexia from Fuling China.

[signz]

I think your story about adopting your daughter from China is so sweet. I never really thought about the language barrier with an infant/young child. Wow, what a great way to bridge the gap. Probably gave her such a better start!

[amybordelon]

I had never heard of signing time until recently. I had been teaching my 10 month old Isabelle (now she is 16 months) how to sign. I thought how neat it would be if there was a video or something. One day I got on the internet to see what was out there. I was about to order one (can't remember the name) when I saw that others bought ST in addition to that one. Well...then I thought maybe ST had a website. So I typed in signingtime.com and found my new home!!! :D I ordered the baby ST first and she LOVED it. My husband saw how excited I was and said that I could order ST videos. Instead of ordering as Isabelle needed them, I ordered all 13 volumes at once! I love them and my new family!! She is having a language and sign explosion. My family can't believe it. Her enthusiasm has sparked mine again and now I have visited our deaf center here. I have come across new ways of learning ASL. It is an answer to prayer. THANK YOU SIGNING TIME!!!!

[mrupp]

I first learned about ST! through my dd's therapist at the Deaf Resource Center back in May of 2005 (Our daughter was/is HOH and developmentally delayed). They loaned us volume's one through three. WE LOVED THEM. We now own all the DVD's a t-shirt, all the board books...etc. My mom requested a set for her birthday so she could keep up with her granddaughter (how cool is that!) AND my siblings have borrowed sets and bought several. My DH's family has been very reluctant to learn or even acknowledge :mad: dd's signing....HOWEVER, just last night my S-I-L came for supper with the nephews and they started raving about this new show on PBS. She new about 6 signs and my 3 year old nephew used several. I about fell off my chair. :D
They finally get it. Perhaps we can foster the cousins' communication and development of language.

Just thought I would share with the rest of you FANatics! :p
Ya just gotta love this ST! Family!! :)

[amybordelon]

Congratulations, mrupp!! That is absolutely wonderful! I know how hard it can be when your inlaws don't want to accept or do things different in order to get close to your kids. I hope they continue to learn signlanguage so the cousins will be able to play and communicate with one another when they are together. Amy

[archer210]

[QUOTE=ErinPie] She acts like "Miss" Rachel, Alex, and Leah are friends who have come over to play for 30 minutes. She even asks for it by name


I thought this was something my daughter was the only one who did this. Our problem with communication is that Sarah has lost about 75% of her hearing and we don't sign very well. I thought that it was her way of having freinds that sign.

[Shiloh21]

I started signing when I was in Kindergarton. We had two deaf kids in our class and we got to learn it. They made a certain time of day the signing time of day. It was fun. I went to Kindergarton in Florida. And I went to school with those two kids every year until 6th grade. But then we moved to Colorado. So I lost alot of it over the years. But gained some back when we moved back to Florida in 2001. I got to visit with them.

3 Years ago, my Fiance and I moved out to Colorado. And I got a job with a program called Mountain BOCES. We work with Severe/Special Needs kids in the schools. And alot of our kids use signs to talk. And this year I started with a new school. And two of the kids use the signs. And BOCES had purchased the Signing Time series on DVD the year before. So we use them twice a week. They love it.

[jenml]

.... I moved out to Colorado. And I got a job with a program called Mountain BOCES. We work with Severe/Special Needs kids in the schools.....

Oh, I didn't realize that there were BOCES all over the country... we have BOCES in NY, and in CT it's just called CES (without the "Board Of"). Interesting.

[Shiloh21]

Oh, I didn't realize that there were BOCES all over the country... we have BOCES in NY, and in CT it's just called CES (without the "Board Of"). Interesting.

That is interesting. I didn't know that either. Now we do. :) It is a wonderful program. Although some of the districts are thinking of dropping the program where I am from. If I am not mistaken, one already has. As of next school year it won't be in that district. Good to know that they are in other places. The Fiance and I have been thinking of moving.

[roz]

I have known about ST from the time we new our son was going to be HOH. Its just now that i can join you all in this wonderful site. My son is 5 and is HOH with developmental delays caused from chemo when he was a baby. We are lucky to have him with us today. We love ST.

[raley]

Hey glad you joined. I am also new to the forum however I have been ST fan for about 2yrs. My daughter is 5 also :)

[christy1246]

Do you guys know of other stations removing Signing Time from the public broadcasting stations? We started tuning in a year ago, it went from once a week, to twice a week, back to once a week, and now its not even on any more.

I am so mad.

[spiritmomma]

We also found it at the library.

Later when I realized there was a Baby ST!, I contacted the library about it. They didn't have it, but ordered it at my request. Now lots of people can find it at their library! Yay! Indy libraries rock. :D

[meredith_tiffany]

I discovered ST! through a search engine. My daughter, Olivia, was learning signs at her daycare center in the infant room, so I wanted to reinforce that at home. She will be 2 next month and she constantly asks for Alex and Leah and her newest saying is "Hi, I'm Rachel Coleman." :) She gets lots of practice signing with her sister, Erica, who will be 4 next month. Erica loves to sign as much as her sister! Their favorite DVD right now is the Zoo Train.

[spiritmomma]

She will be 2 next month and she constantly asks for Alex and Leah and her newest saying is "Hi, I'm Rachel Coleman."

That's funny!

Isa signs Leah alot. She used to sign Signing Time but it's recently been shortened to just time!! :rolleyes:

[meredith_tiffany]

That's funny!

Isa signs Leah alot. She used to sign Signing Time but it's recently been shortened to just time!! :rolleyes:

Livy has shortened Signing Time to "time" as well. She also loves to let me know whenever Lucy appears on TV - "I see Lucy!!" :D

[alrdy_tkn]

I found out about signing time from a friend who saw it on her PBS station. She kept telling me how good it was. I looked into it and it is not shown here in NE florida, nor could i find it at the library. :confused: She then recorded signing time for me. When i got it, my son was hooked. :o He has a speech delay, so we have been learning, together, to sign. The first dvd i bought he was not that into it, with no music and not much interaction it bored him and we got stuck. It has been amazing the difference in him since signing time. He loves watching signing time, there are days i am lucky to watch the news. LOL. After 2 weeks of watching the same one over and over 6 times a day, I finally bought the whole collection tonight,now i just have to wait to get it in the mail.

[moms~bubby]

we found ST by the grace of God! we were searching for a way to teach Bubby signs, that is fun... he ignores us when we try signing to him, but if we pop in the vids... he will sit there and watch it over and over and over! he really likes the songs, and so do we... i am slowly learning them all!

[jenml]

.....we were searching for a way to teach Bubby signs, that is fun... he ignores us when we try signing to him, but if we pop in the vids... he will sit there and watch it over and over and over!....

Don't give up!! He probably can't make sense of it right now, but one day... CLICK!!! Literally...

My son is hearing, but we sign with him... we were so frustrated that he wasn't signing back to us as much in the very beginning, and then all of a sudden one day... a (sign) language explosion!!

Lots of people I know give up on signing to their kids because of the delayed response at times (not that I think you will... you sound very dedictaed to giving Bubby his language via ASL... hooray for you and your husband!!).

Just keep "feeding" him the language as partof his every day life (play with him with signs, daily routines with signs... etc)... and report back when you start seeing the fruits of your labor.. it will come... and it's SOOO EXCITING when it happens... keep up the good work!!

[JoeyMom]

Our SLP introduced us to Signing Time.

Joey has always been responsive to visual cues and signing. On Easter, the Sunday school was singing in front of the church and JOey was having a very difficult time keeping up. He was getting frustrated- it was like he couldn' get the words out of his mouth fast enough to keep up, and he knew it. A lady in teh front row started signing the song for him, and like magic, he was able to keep up and sing along!

In fact, Joey's first word was "more"- signed, not spoken, at 2 1/2 (it was another few months before he could speak "more".)

So I went to his SLP and told her this, and she suggested we start showing him Signing Time. He LOVES it. The music, the signs shown at a good pace for him, the visual stimulation- he's all about it. The OT is now excited, because she thinks it will help his bilaeral coordination and motor planning as well!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q34/elloraluna/01_joey_more_bubbles.jpg

[sweetness6667]

The other day I was talking with one of my friends who works at the Salt Lake County Library. She also mentioned that Signing Time is never on the shelves since there is always a long waiting list for it. I suggested that the library order some more copies. She seemed surprised that she hadn't thought of that! So... sometimes for the institutions, libraries and schools you might make that suggestion. If you notice they only have Volumes 1-3 let them know there are 6 additional volumes. If they only have 1-6.. you get the point :-) Also make sure they are aware that Signing Time Books are available.

I found Signing Times on TV one day and Bastian was attached...He was about 1 1/2 then. So after that we went to the library to find more and had to put them on hold and wait forever to get them. Bastian LOVED them! :D And he still does! :D

[LizzeeB]

Hi everyone,
My brother-in-law and his wife introduced us to ST after learning that our 2 year old son was diagnosed with Autism,(Apsergers).I can't tell you how wonderful it has been having these videos in our home. After using them for 6 months, our little guy went from 5 speaking words to 40 speaking words and 31 signs. I can honestly say that without ST, our son would still be struggling to communicate. All of my children, their cousins and now Grandma and Grandpa are jumping on board and learning to sign as well. Hunter, my son, is truly a blessing in so many ways and through these amazing videos, he has brought our family so much closer and we can't thank Rachel and her staff enough.
Liz

[elvahart5]

A few months ago, my husband and I just happened to find "Signing Time" on PBS early one morning during our early-morning routine with our daughter. At 1 year old, her attention span is nonexistent, so when she sat still and watched the show for more then 2 minutes, we knew we had a keeper.

We immediately bought "baby signing time" and she seems to enjoy it, though I can't say much about her attention span ;)

[catybarra]

I first found out about Signing Time! through the Triplet Connection. I wanted to try to start signing with my boys and I was overwhelmed with the responses I got for Signing Time! My friend had the Baby Signing Time videos and I borrowed them for a bit. We were hooked, as a family!

[crystaljcarney]

We became familar with it through a family friend. When we let our family know that Noah was deaf they all became very supportive. My aunt acutally had "Signing Time" 1-3 and we put off watching it for quite awhile. Then one day Noah was in his jumperoo and I decided to turn it on and he has been glued ever since. So, has my 2 year old and 11 year old. We love it!!!

[Psychoceramic]

We were looking for something to watch and keep the kids, at that time a 13 month and a 10 year old occupied while the wife and I got ready for church and we looked to the pbs station for clifford or something and there was signing time and it has become a sunday routine for us.


IN Jesus,
psychoceramic

[jtwine]

... I stumbled upon ST completely by accident. I was on Amazon.com looking for some ASL and DC material (ended up getting A Journey into the Deaf-World, which is a great read) when Signing Time came up with some search results.

I was immediately interested and purchased Volume #1, which was well received by the kids and was quickly followed by #2-4 which all purchased from Amazon. Then, I started buying directly from the ST website and still do so today!

[dawnsemble]

I started an infant sign language business with Sign2Me and I started creating my website. I asked for my 15 year old son and 13 year old daughter to help me. My son came up with my business name and my daughter came up with my logo - she drew it and we created it in Microsoft Paint and I was SO happy!

Then I thought I should check out other baby sign language sites to see if there were any logo or name similarities so we could change them before they were committed to the WEB.

Sadly, I came across Signing Time! I say SADLY because I sat there, in tears, looking at my logo! Then I looked around and found Baby Signing Time DVDs and I ordered them IMMEDIATELY! After they arrived, they were the last thing to be played before bed - even AFTER the stories were read! Kevin said, "No more stories, Baby Signing Time please!" He was almost two years old... and he LOVES them! Now he watches the Signing Time DVDs and he loves to sign! He'll be FOUR next month - wow... time sure flies!

So, I am VERY HAPPY I ran across Signing Time! They have been a huge support to me at home and in the car on trips... Rachel and everyone has done such a wonderful job and I am happy to recommend Signing Time to many parents - and give Baby Signing Time DVDs as Baby Shower Gifts. Then I start working with the parents after the baby is born and we have a great time!

I have put my OLD LOGO on this - I DID keep the mountains! I really wanted to keep the whole thing, but I just couldn't. It was a very positive thing for everyone involved :D

Dawn

Old Logo done in Microsoft Paint

[KatiesMom]

A few months ago, my husband and I just happened to find "Signing Time" on PBS early one morning during our early-morning routine with our daughter.

My daughter actually found it herself scanning the early Saturday morning shows and came running and grabbed us and told us "come look they're signing on TV.

[NickysMom]

When we were in the process of adopting our baby son from Guatemala, I was reading all of the Guatemala Adoption newsgroups religiously. Someone had brought up the subject of teaching their baby ASL and mentioned Baby Signing Time and how wonderful it is. I immediately went to the website, ordered the DVDs and once we brought our 8-month-old (now 17 months old!) son home, we've been signing ever since!!

Renee

[jchrapcyn]

Hi my DD is 2 yrs old and her name is Rachel!
We adopted Rachel at age 17 months from Korea. She spoke no English- only Korean. I started taking her to story time at the public library and the librarian recommended the ST videos. Rachel was instantly hooked! She loves them! She has learned all the words on DVD's 1-4. Her speech therapist is so impressed at her English volcabulary. She speaks and signs. I'm convinced ST helped her learn English. She also has CP. She gets so excited and starts "dancing" when she hears the ST theme song!

[Noah's Mom]

We learned about "Signing Time" through our local Early Intervention. My son, Noah (now two years old), was born two months premature and had a very low birth weight. Right before his first birthday he was diagnosed with mild PVL which had caused gross motor delays. Recently he has been diagnosed with speech delays.

"Signing Time" has been a godsend! One of the EIP teachers recommeded it last June and we borrowed a couple DVD's from their library. We had been trying to teach Noah a few simple signs like "more", "eat", "all done", etc. to no avail. Although he had a large receptive communication vocabulary, he just didn't communicate with us. But as soon as we started watching "Signing Time" that all changed!

Noah surprises me every day with new signs that he uses. Just the other day he used one that he hasn't seen in over a month. He now signs to us constantly and is able to tell us what he wants or what he sees. We will be putting him in speech therapy soon, but will also continue to let him watch as much "Signing Time" as he wants, within reason.

We just love it. I can't tell you enough what a blessing "Signing Time" has been. Thank you so much!

[purplewowies]

I was just watching TV one day... flipping through the channels. I THOUGHT that there was nothing good on PBS but decided to change it to that anyway. It was in the middle of the show--I'm pretty sure I was watching "Everyday Signs"-- and Rachel pops up on the screen and says, "Sign Dry." I'm all like "awesome!!!! I didn't know there was a program with this stuff on it!" I now faithfully watch it every Saturday(that's the only day it comes on :() I can and if i had enough money i would buy the DVDs.

[nicole]

Our local PBS station. ST only is on Thursdays at 5:00 pm. Since it is only once a week it is a real treat. Then we needed to get some DVD's and we have a bunch now!!!
Thanks, we have learned soooo much from the show!
nicole, scott, logan and veda

[deckercat]

I was just flipping channels one day and on pbs there was this crazy lady with colored band aids on her fingers. I watched out of fascination. A few days later, feeling like a dork, I started signing along with all the little kids on tv. A year+ passes. Now I watch almost every day. I sing along and everything. Some times when I'm walking around, the songs stuck in my head, I sign to the music. I probably look like a nut, but oh well.

[marie]

I was already obsessed with ASL, especially for toddlers. I was at the library and saw ST! there. I'd heard of ST! before, I think, at least I knew it was from Utah. I picked it up (It was My Favorite Things Vol.6) And I fell in love. Even though I don't have any kids (yet) I've seen all the episodes. (except BST!)
And it actually led me to my job, working in special ed with a deaf boy. It's a challenge, and I know I'm underqualified, but we have a lot of fun and work hard. And he has all the ST! DVD's memorized as well.

[jelnel]

I find signing time by accident I was signing with gavin since 6 mths whne he was almost a year I was at the park and saw a mom signing to her 2 year old I only had a minute to talk to her and she mentioned signing time and said shegot them through inter library when our library was a bust i was dissapointed but looked it up on the internet success in more ways then one.

[clover68]

I think I read about it, then I went on Tivo and found that it was coming on PBS. A marathon! I taped all of them and I am currently watching them. I do not have children, but I've always been interested in learning to sign. I absolutely love the program! :D

[MissyLovesTheRainbow]

Was flipping around the channels one Sunday morning after waking up, and said, "Hey! What's this? 'Missy' would like this show!" From there, the rest is history.

[byuigurlluvssigningtime]

My nephew is speech delayed, so he was placed in an Early Intervention Preschool. In his class, they watched Signing Time! His sister also was in the class the next year and she learned a lot of sign. My sister then invested in Signing Time and realised that her infant daughter loved to watch them even at just a few months old. She has Golden Haar and Caudal Regression Syndrome, yet even with her disabilities, now at 13 months, she is beginning to sign. I watched occasionally with them when I would watch my nieces and nephew, and thought they were pretty cool, but I really started to watch them faithfully and began to learn when I started working as an aide this summer in a special Ed classroom in Orem and the kids that were non-verbal were learning sign. Many of them still couldn't sign themselves but a few of them could and all of them understood the signs that we used. They used sign all over the classroom as well without Signing Time!, so I decided that because I was going into special ed myself, and seeing how beneficial it was, that I would learn sign. I have now learned a great deal of sign in a matter of 2 months. I can hold my own in signing. It was so excited when I would even hear other songs or other things and I would translate it into sign. I work at Lane Bryant, and listening to our Musac, there was a song and I just started to sign along with it. Here was a popular song that would not be uncommon on the radio and I was signing it. I watch any Signing Time! video I can get a hold of and I only listen to Signing Time! I think it is really funny that I am a single 20 year old and yet I am not like a typical 20 year old at all. I'd much rather play with children's toys and watch Signing Time than play Video Games or go to the Mall or whatever it is that typical 20 year-olds do.

[Jera372]

I found Signing Time through a search engine as well. I have been using it ever since. I love it and it helped my son. I viewed a clip of it and I made my first purchase from there.

[JennJenn]

I was flipping through the channels because nothing decent is on for a teenager to watch during the week after school (i'm not allowed online until 5 during school) and it was wednesday and signing time was on pbs and i remember, it was "Leah's Farm" and i've been in love ever since.

my brother thinks i'm weird.
at least i'm learning something:P

[apaprikao]

I first heard about Signing Time watching little miss Fireese sign on YouTube. They are what really got me into signing with my daughter and I'm so glad to have found ST as well. :)

[Grandmamama]

The Infant/Toddler Program in Pocatello, Id lent me the first vol. of Baby Signing Time. We watched twice for 2 days in a row and my 3 1/2yr. old grandson, who has had a VERY diffucult time speaking actually started SAYING words. It was Great! The 18mo. grandson is also saying some words and both are signing some. For us, we decided ANYTHING that helps them communicate is worth it. It has been slow going, getting the rest, but we are slowly doing it. Of all that I have seen, I like Signing Time the best. Can't wait to have the whole collection!!!

[5TAL55]

The Infant/Toddler Program in Pocatello, Id lent me the first vol. of Baby Signing Time. We watched twice for 2 days in a row and my 3 1/2yr. old grandson, who has had a VERY diffucult time speaking actually started SAYING words. It was Great! The 18mo. grandson is also saying some words and both are signing some. For us, we decided ANYTHING that helps them communicate is worth it. It has been slow going, getting the rest, but we are slowly doing it. Of all that I have seen, I like Signing Time the best. Can't wait to have the whole collection!!!

Welcome to the group! You will find that there are other people in your area looking for a signing play group by going to http://www.signingtime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1729. I hope this helps.

[tigrspal]

I discovered signing time through a friend who borrowed the original signing time videos from the library. When she brought one over, I got hooked and bought the first two Baby Signing Times from the Baby Signing Time website. It was much later and after buying volume three that I discovered there was a whole other website. My babies are addicted. They wake up signing and go to sleep signing. The proud look on their little faces will put me in the poor house buying the whole collection!! :)


Lynn
Mother of Olivia 5, Tristan and Sabrina 19 months.

[SunshineMommy]

we've done sign since birth - just looked up the one we wanted to use and taught them. my daughter is learning them faster then I can keep up though. she has over 50 signs now. She learned a lot from :baby wordsworth: of the baby einstein collection... but i dont really like that collection so I wanted to try something more dedicated to signing. a friend of a friend recommended this series, and so I bought the first dvd of the regular signing time series, and will take if from there. I LOVE this series, and the song at the end makes me cry.

[Lilith785]

I found Signing Time while searching google for a way to help my six year old learn signing so she can better communicate with a neighbor friend of hers. http://www.dineoxford.com/pics/img/2657/y09w0131xdtc/82(2).gif

[AnnetteNikole]

my girlfriend told me about it when I mentioned that I wanted to sign with my little one! Looked up the website that night, and have loved it ever since!

[LoReina]

lol, no, not really.

But it was @ 4 a.m. when I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I channel surfed until I landed on ST (on PBS).

I was so amazed that when I went to work hours later (I teach), I told my director about it and tried to persuade her to invest in ST's library. She did not acquiesce.

I purchased the DVD's about a week later and I use them in my classroom for Language Learning Wednesday. We alternate with ASL, Spanish, and French. My students love, love, love it!

[tigger2on]

I found it on Ebay in 2004....

[lbowenj]

We found signing time searching the net for signing dvd's for our family. I almost ordered from a different company but decided to go with signing time and i'm so glad that I did.

[Ladybug's Mom]

My twin sister introduced me to Signing Time when she found it for her children. I wasn't a parent at the time, but had a love affair with ASL since the age of 10. It was a no brainer to get my daughter started with the videos when she came home from China at age 25 months.

I can't sign ST's praises enough. I've been encouraging my FNP to teach her daughter who is now a year old.

[greenmatter]

I found it searching google ;)http://www.photosnag.com/img/4805/n09x0302vnsn/clear.gif

[Lynette]

I heard for a long time the many benefits of signing with babies. Once my daughter was born I started searching for in depth signing series which lead me to Signing Time. I bought a few then more and before you know was hooked on the entire series. We now have everything piece of Signing Time. My daughter would be Hopkins for Halloween if the was offered. :D

[sunny21284]

I first saw Signing Time in my college ASL class. It was the original volume 1. I thought it was strange at first, you know, the animation wasn't what it is today. It left an impression on me though. While browsing at a favorite book store while I was expecting Brady I saw the BST Vol. 1 & 2 collection ON SALE!! I convinced my husband that I wanted to spend our reward points on this item. I could never pass up a good deal! I am SO glad that is what we choose to use those slowly aquired points on. Definately a worth while purchase.

Stephanie
Mom of Brady, 19 months,100+ signs and counting

[jackie0109]

in google too...
also in some articles...^_^