Parenting Articles

Signing Time and Our Journey As a Special Needs Family

by Lisa T. American Sign Language has been an invaluable blessing to my family. Our three-year-old daughter, June, has complex medical needs including a tracheostomy which prevents her from vocalizing. American Sign Language allows June to communicate with us and to acquire a rich, complete language during these vital early years of brain development. Signing Time enabled us to start learning ASL as a family and to share this language with others. When June received a tracheostomy at 2 months old, doctors did not know if or when she would be able to vocalize. At that time, my husband, my …

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Signing and Screen Time

Screen time is the number of hours a person spends each day in front of a computer, mobile device, or television, watching movies or playing video games. Our living rooms are filled with smart phones, tablets, iPods, computers, televisions, movies, gaming system, and more. As parents we wonder what we can do to manage and optimize our kids’ screen time. Recently, The American Academy of Pediatrics released released media guidelines for parents of infants and toddlers. The guidelines had not been updated since 1999, and much has changed since then. These guidelines, while welcome, did not specifically address signing, which encourages the kinds of parent-child interaction that the AAP recommends. A recent Emory University …

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Supporting Down Syndrome Awareness Month

The Signing Time Foundation is proud to be a long-standing supporter of children with Down syndrome and their families.  Signing Time Co-founder Rachel Coleman can often be found at the National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walks around the country. We’ve been working hard to build a great database of resources for you to use when signing with children who have Down syndrome. You can also see children with Down syndrome demonstrating signs in our shows. We have seen the benefits of using American Sign Language to assist with communication for children who have Down syndrome. These children sometimes find it difficult to express themselves verbally. …

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American Sign Language and Apraxia of Speech

Children with Apraxia of Speech experience difficulties when the muscles involved in forming the sounds do not work properly. This makes it hard to say their words. Children with Apraxia and other speech and language disorders have difficulty communicating their wants and needs, which leads to high levels of frustration. By using American Sign Language (ASL), children can overcome barriers to spoken language and successfully communicate. This success gives them a sense of empowerment, which can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence. As a pediatric SLP, I always knew that I wanted my kids to learn simple signs and have access to communication at …

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7 Essential Signs for Making Friends

ASL Signs for meeting new people Watch this video clip from the first video in Series Two, Nice to Meet You to learn seven signs your child can use when meeting new people and making friends. Practice the Signs Nice to meet you Meet New Friend Alike Different Play Get the Video Get the Complete Series

12 Essential Signs for Colors

Learn ASL signs for colors This song from Box of Crayons is a fun way to help your child learn American Sign Language signs for all the colors of the rainbow – and then some! Practice the Signs Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Pink Purple White Black Brown Silver Gold Get the Video   Get the Complete Series

10 Essential Signs for Tidying Up

Signs for cleaning up and doing chores Signing Time videos help teach kids that everything has it’s place. This song from My Things that helps children understand why it’s important to put things away. You’ll learn the ASL signs for clean, make the bed, and closet.   This song from Helping Out Around the House, motivates kid to help others and teaches the ASL signs for finished, help, house, wash clothes, fold, washcloth, and socks.   Get the Videos   Get the Complete Series

7 Essential Signs for Weather

Fun ASL Signs for Weather Signing can help your child notice and appreciate weather and nature. In this clip from Going Outside, Rachel will teach you seven essential signs for talking about the wind and weather. Practice the Signs Outside Wind Cold Cloud Rain Thunder Snow Get the Video   Get the Complete Series

12 Essential Signs for Active Play and Sports

Signs for early physical fitness Gaining mastery of gross motor skills is an important step in a child’s development. Watch this clip from Move and Groove and learn the ASL signs for dance, jump, spin, walk, run, and march!   Learning to play on a team helps kids develop important social skills like cooperation and encouragement. In this clip from My Favorite Sport, learn the ASL signs for team, basketball, lose, win, coach, and day. Get the Videos   Get the Complete Series

5 Essential Signs for Seasons

Helping your child appreciate nature  Signs can help bring attention to the changes in nature and weather that come with each new season! Watch this song from My Favorite Season and learn five ASL signs you can use to talk about the seasons and weather any time of the year. Practice your new signs! Autumn Winter Spring Summer Weather Get the Video Get the Complete Series

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