Are you looking for a way to add a little fun to your homeschool this March? Do you want something easy to teach and hands-on? One year, in early March, my daughter was struggling with her reading program, and just needed a little time away from it for a bit. I wanted her to do something related to language and something that would be new to her, and very hands-on.
You Can Learn Sign Language
Guess what I found? A little book, by Scholastic, called You Can Learn Sign Language, which is full of interesting signs to learn. This was just the ticket for us. It gave my daughter a break from her English curriculum, and introduced her to American Sign Language, which has a grammar all its own.
Is American Sign Language really a foreign language? Yes it is! And every country in the world has its own sign language that is different from all the others. So deaf people in Australia can’t sign with those from Spain, unless they know the sign language for the other country!
We learned that from You Can Learn Sign Language, which contains more than 300 signs to learn, with easy to follow instructions, and colorful, clear photos of kids demonstrating each sign. This was such a wonderful way to add in something new, while we were waiting for spring to come.
You and your kids can learn to sign the ABC’s, the numbers 1 – 10, and words for each of the following topics:
- Feelings and Emotions
- Colors
- Family
- Clothes
- Animals
- Sports
- Time
and 15 more. Here’s the page for Time, which includes such signs as yesterday, today and tomorrow. You can see from this, how clearly the signs are illustrated in this book!
In addition, your kids can learn how sentences are put together in American Sign Language. Here’s an example. In English, we would ask “What is your favorite? In American Sign Language the words are signed in a different order….” Your favorite what?”
There are so many interesting facts to learn about sign language in this book. It is endorsed by Edward Igham, a deaf psychologist who is also a Deaf Studies instructor, so it is a quality resource on the subject. It is written for elementary kids, but could be enjoyed by all ages. Make it a family project!
There are easy ways to use this book for kids of all ages, such as:
- Very simple signs, which can be used for communicating with toddlers, who aren’t yet talking.
- There are finger spelling signs for each of the ABC’s, for kids who are learning the alphabet.
- Primary aged kids will enjoy learning the animal signs and more.
- Their older siblings can try their hand at creating sentences in American Sign Language.
Take a little time after lunch, and enjoy learning sign as a family! And while you are doing that, everyone will be improving their fine motor skills and eye hand coordination. What a bonus!
If you are looking for a fun and quality way to introduce your family to sign language, we recommend You Can Learn Sign Language by Scholastic. {Please note: as of the update of this review in 2023 it looks like the book is no longer in print, but there are plenty of used copies at affordable prices!}
More ASL Resources
- Sign Language Flash Cards – Sign Language Flash Cards includes 105 colorfully illustrated cards that teach the signs for numbers, and letters plus some very basic common words.
- The Best Video ASL Resources – When teaching (or learning) ASL (American Sign Language) books can easily fall flat. It is much easier to learn if you can see the signs in action. This is a collection of the Best Video ASL Resources that are either FREE or low cost.
- Self-Paced ASL Courses for Homeschoolers – Self-Paced ASL Courses for Homeschoolers with Mr. D Math. Online, video based, in every level from elementary to ASL 3
- Hands on Foreign Language for Kids by Tristan (sign language) – While there are many ‘foreign’ languages a homeschool family can study, the one I recommend for those with young children is American Sign Language.
~ Originally posted written by Betsy who blogs at BJ’s Homeschool about high school and college
Betsy is a long time eclectic homeschooler who blogs about resources and offers encouragement for moms of kids/teen from preK-12. She and her hubby homeschooled their daughter through high school, and helped her get accepted to each of the colleges on her list. Their daughter is now a college grad working in her chosen field of Communications. Betsy blogs about their journey at BJ's Homeschool about the early years, high school and college too. A former O. T, she also writes about special needs, and handwriting helps. Betsy is the author of "Homeschooling High School with College in Mind, 2nd edition" and also is a homeschool coach. Send her your question on homeschooling. (Free)
Great giveaway. When things get difficult we take little fitness breaks and do different games or activities I have set up.
Thanks, Tammy, for your comments. My daughter loved taking “bouncing breaks” on her exercise ball, when we could not get outside on a rainy day.
We do something physical, like going for a short walk, or dance in the family room for a couple minutes. Sometimes it’s a signal that it’s time for lunch, too! Also, sometimes I’ll let them watch a short video or a short computer game.
Thanks, Nancy S, for sharing your ways of de-stressing. I remember taking movement and dancing breaks with my little one, and it helped me as much as it helped her, lol. Now that she is in college, I encourage her to stop by their gym when she gets a chance, so important for balancing things out.
We set it aside and come back to it later.
Thanks for stopping by, +Phronsie.
Some times I send her outside. Others watch an educational video or do some exercises or chores.
Thanks, Barb. We used to stock up on educational videos from the library, just for that reason, and there were so many to choose from!
We find something completely opposite to do – when math is hard, let’s go read a good book or play a game.
I like your idea of doing something opposite, how creative, +Melissa.
We go do something completely different. It frees up the mind and reduces stress levels.
Nice of you to stop by, Debie @ DebiStrangeland.com, and it is nice to meet you. I am always looking for new things to try for de-stressing. My go-to solution is a walk outside, so I am now happy that it is daylight savings time!
We go our seperate ways so I can regroup and try a different approach, usually the child will do something quiet if other children are still doing work
Thanks for sharing, +Heather McCully, and your craft ideas are such an encouragement to other homeschooling families, especially those with hyperactive kids. Mine, too, was quite an active kid when she was little. And she loved doing crafts.
We take a break and get moving.
Us, too, +Beth Southeard! We always loved taking movement breaks.