My First Book of Sign Language
on Goodreads (138)
What’s inside...
This beginner's guide to fingerspelling and sign language contains the sign for each letter of the alphabet along with signs for words that begin with each letter. Joan Holub, the author, has authored and/or illustrated more than 130 children's books and is known for the popular Goddess Girls, Heroes in Training, and Grimmtastic Girls series.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of the signs you remember from the book? Can you show them to me?
How do you think knowing sign language could help us communicate better with different people?
Why do you think the author chose to put these specific signs in the book?
How do you feel when you learn a new sign? What sign would you like to learn next?
Can you think of a situation where you could use sign language to help someone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, tell your child that this book will introduce them to a new way of communicating which some people use. Explain that sign language is a beautiful and important language.
While reading, pause on each page to practice the signs together. Make it interactive and fun by mimicking the expressions and emotions that might accompany the signs.
After reading, encourage your child to use the sign language they’ve learned during daily activities to reinforce their learning.
Relate the signs to real-life by giving examples of when they could be used, such as during quiet times or when needing to communicate from a distance.
Praise your child's efforts to learn sign language, highlighting how this skill contributes to being inclusive and understanding others better.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: This book introduces children to American Sign Language (ASL), fostering an early appreciation for communication diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by embracing various communication forms, helping them interact with and include peers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Example Lesson: Visual Learning
Explanation: By using vibrant illustrations to depict each sign, the book engages visual learning, enhancing memory retention.
Real-World Application: Children can leverage visual cues in everyday learning scenarios, improving their ability to remember and recall information.
Example Lesson: Empathy Development
Explanation: Learning sign language can help children develop empathy by understanding the challenges faced by others and how to assist them.
Real-World Application: This fosters empathetic interactions in school and social settings, promoting a supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book promotes awareness of Deaf culture, which is an important aspect of social diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can respect and recognize cultural differences, which is crucial in building harmonious relationships in increasingly diverse societies.