Class One: Discussion Points

Does it matter which hand I use to make the sign?
Yes! If it is a one-handed sign, use your dominant hand (for example, if you are right-handed, use your right hand). For some two-handed signs, both hands use the same handshape and movement. For other two-handed signs, your dominant hand is going to be doing the moving on the non-dominant hand. That said, if you're holding your baby with your dominant hand and you really want to sign something - go ahead and use your free hand!




Does it matter how many times I tap my hand to my chin (i.e., for the sign "MOMMY")?
Yes! A change in movement can totally change the meaning of the word you are signing. For example, the signs for "MOM" and "GRANDMA" use the same handshape ("5 handshape"), are both located on the chin, but have very different movements.



You signed "PEE" this way, but I've seen it signed differently...
Just like in English, there are dialectal variations in sign language. In fact, you might assume that sign language is universal, but there are as many different sign languages as countries! We even have two different sign languages in Canada alone (American Sign Language [ASL] and Langue des Signes Quebecoise [LSQ])!

I've been signing to my child for awhile but he hasn't signed anything back to me yet - is something wrong?
Not at all! It is entirely normal for typically developing children to understand more than they can express in both spoken and signed languages. Remember to be patient and continue signing consistently. You can sign before an event, during a situation AND/or after something happened. Use signs that are highly motivating and make sure your child is alert and focused. Most importantly, have fun!!

Class One: Videos

Here are two videos of the signs we learned today: ROUTINES and TOYS.

SIGNING BASICS: POSITIONING

WHERE DO I SIT?

1. Next to your child

2. In front of your child

3. With your child in your lap

WHERE DO I SIGN?

1. On your own body

2. On your child's body

3. On the book or object of focus

You can see examples of these techniques in the following videos:

FIRST 35 WORDS TO EMERGE IN ENGLISH AND AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

ENGLISH

Daddy
Mommy
bye
ball
baby
no
shoe
bottle
cookie
kitty
dog
uh-oh
eye
nose
bird
cracker
banana
juice
hi
baa baa
moo
ouch
woof
yum yum
balloon
book
bath
duck
peek-a-boo
night-night
car
cheese
vroom
keys
apple


AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

DADDY
MOMMY
BYE
BALL
BABY
NO
SHOE
MILK
COOKIE
CAT
DOG
MORE
EAT/FOOD
DRINK
BIRD
CRACKER
BANANA
DIAPER
GRANDMA
RABBIT
CLAP
FINISH/ALL DONE
COW
HAT
HORSE
BOOK
NAME SIGNS (including child's own name)
DUCK
CRY
BATH/WASH
FISH
TREE
KISS
SLEEP
RAIN

WELCOME

This five week course is designed to promote healthy communication between parents and children. The emphasis will be on learning American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary to use in conjunction with spoken language. Sign language is a visual language that can help reduce frustration, enhance early language skills, strengthen the bond between child and caregiver, reinforce important motor skills and is fun to learn!

The sessions will be taught by Sydelle Murphy, a registered Speech-Language Pathologist with extensive knowledge of general language development and ASL. Sydelle graduated with a Masters of Science from McGill University and has been working for the past five years with deaf and hard of hearing children from birth to age five.

Classes will run on Wednesdays at 11am, from July 8th until August 5th. Each interactive session will be 45 minutes long and include a review of previous signs, instruction of new signs, games, ASL rhymes, songs and activities for you and your baby. We will learn basic signs, including animals, colours, routines, family, emotions and the alphabet. Participants will receive handouts as well as access to a blog designed specifically for this class with video updates, tips, and links to other sites of interest. The cost is $50 for five, 45 minute sessions. Classes will be held in south Burnaby, near Kingsway and Edmonds.

Feel free to contact Sydelle Murphy at 604.777.2797 or rise.and.sign@gmail.com to register for this course or for more information.