Baby Signs: How to Talk with Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Talk, New Edition

Rating:
Summary: An Infomercial for Baby Signing
Review: I asked for this book (unfortunately without examining it) because I wanted to try Baby Sign Language. The book was helpful in that it gave me some basics to work with, and my 12-month old daughter has been able to tell me for a couple of months when she wants "more" or is "hungry," and recently she began using the sign for "milk." (I wish I had been more persistent in teaching more signs. I started a bit early and the lack of pay-off perhaps discouraged me, as this book warned it might! I'd suggest not starting until 9 or 10 months.)

Though it provides some basic help, most of the book reads like an infomercial, complete with testimonials and much redundant information. If you're picking up this book, you probably have already decided to try signing and you probably don't need to be convinced.

More time spent illustrating the signs (with multiple pictures for a single sign) and the inclusion of more signs (where's balloon, for instance?) would have helped. I also would have liked to have seen the ASL signs for each word, in addition to the baby signs. ASL signs are given for only about half the words--the rest are invented baby signs.

Rating:
Summary: This book makes early communication possible and enjoyable
Review: Just a quick note for anyone who is truly worried about choosing this book because it does not offer TRUE ASL:
Most likely you are interested in baby signing because you want to communicate with your child as early and easily and enjoyably as possible - not because you want them to be proficient in ASL. This book gives you the tools to faciliate this early communication and the permission to use your imagination, your environment and your particular circumstances to develop signs that make sense for you and your baby. I am a sign language interpreter and my daughter "incorrectly" signed DOG by tapping herself on the nose because our dog always licked her there - she was using a sign consistantly and I was understanding it - I say CELEBRATE that, don't correct it! Baby signs (whether made up or proper ASL) generally disappear quickly after your child masters the verbal word anyway, so what is the big deal?
I believe this book gives you the motivation to get started, the tools to get you on your way and the freedom to do it in a way that makes sense for your baby and you.

Rating:
Summary: I love this book!
Review: I used this book with my son (who is now 6) beginning at about 10 months of age. He caught on right away - we began with animal signs/sounds - and by 1 year of age was combining signs with simple words to make "sentences". He even began making up signs of his own to describe things. It was amazing to be able to "converse" with my son before he could talk. When we would walk through the mall, he would look for things he knew how to sign (i.e. a stuffed fish in a toy store display) and would get so excited that I could acknowledge what he was seeing. I truly believe that he gained alot of confidence by being able to communicate with me so early. Like the book says, he stopped using the signs as soon as he was able to say the words (which was very sad for Mommy, in some cases... I loved the Baby Signs!). I have seen some reveiwers complain that it is not ASL, but I liked the flexibility of this method better. Once you get started, you will be making up signs for all things important to your baby!

I always buy this book for shower gifts and have seen similar results with my neices and nephews. Without exception, I have seen children who "sign" begin speaking earlier than those who don't. I am expecting my second child and will be using Baby Signs with him, as well. I can't say enough about this book.. my son started communicating early and hasn't stopped since!

Rating:
Summary: 10 * book, Baby sign is not ASL, nor claims so!
Review: Baby Sign never says it's an American Sign Language (ASL) book, and if you read a few pages into the book it says so. Baby Sign is strictly for your babys fingers as well as the simplicity of the words. The idea behind baby sign is to lessen your childs frustration and gives them a way for them to tell you, I'm thristy, I want a drink, I am hungry,I see a dog, please read me a book and so on.

Baby sign does take a while, it will seem like you are signing forever and you are about to give up and suddenly your baby will sign the sign you've been working on. We adopted our daughter from China at 11 months. She understood some Chinese, but did not speak Chinese or English.(I know that seems like a funny question, but you'd be surprised at how many people asked if she spoke Chinese)! Anyway, it took about 3 months working on 2 signs with my daughter and finally one day she signed one of the signs! I love having my daughter tell me she sees a flower, a horse, a baby and or is hungry, wants a drink and that she says please and thank you. I love that you can adapt the signs to fit your family! Now she is stringing 2 words together like " Dog sleeps".

My sister & I taught Baby Sign to our daughters, while my brother & his wife did not with their son. I have seen the frustration, the point and grunt of my nephew & his parents trying to figure out what he wants. Baby Sign lessens the frustration all the way around! I do know that boys & girls develope differently and at different times. Baby Sign makes a world of difference!

About ASL.....I learned some during my teens and I think ASL should be taught in school just like Spanish. It is so important to be able to talk to anyone and not exclude them as they already feel the "hearing" do. ASL is also more complicated than Baby Sign. So, with that said... Yes, I love Baby Sign and that my daughter can tell me things.
Yes, Baby Sign is not and does not claim to be ASL.

Yes, ASL is just as important, but is not this book. There are other books out there if you want your child to learn ASL baby sign.

Rating:
Summary: the video tape is great
Review: My 1 year old daughter loves the video tape that goes with this book. But she has started talking already - mostly using words she sees on the tape. She uses the sign every time she says a word. Maybe it helps kids to combine a gesture with the word, like when they say 'bye bye' while waving.

Rating:
Summary: Teach the right way
Review: I had to give this book one star so my review would be posted.This book should have in bold letters on the cover THIS IS NOT AN ASL BOOK THESE ARE MADE UP SIGNS so people who want a true language won't waste their money. I disagree with the author as to her "made up signs" are easier. Working as an interpreter for the deaf for many years and having deaf friends,I have seen deaf parents teach their hearing children ASL. I'm hearing and I taught my hearing infant ASL. Teaching them made up signs as a whole new language (well, actually I've been told cave men used it.)instead of true ASL is a diservice to our children. In learning Latin,I would'nt want to learn the wrong pronounciations, I want it right the first time. At least she states there not real signs inside the book after people spent their money. That's decieving isn't it?

Rating:
Summary: Improve Communication with your Baby
Review: I was a bit skeptical of this idea at first, but after researching and viewing several videos on the subject, I am sold on the idea of infant signing.

Our son is seven months old and we've been doing some signs for several months. He comprehends the sign for "nurse" and becomes very excited when I use the sign. He also comprehends "book" and "doggie" although he is not yet using the signs himself.

Children are able to understand the meaning of basic signs (such as "bye bye" and "no") before they can ever utter the words. So why not expand that? Why let your baby cry in discomfort, when she can tell you that she's too hot or that her tooth is bothering her? How great for your toddler to tell you that he wants more water, or juice, or that he just saw an airplane fly overhead.

I found this book to be very insightful into the workings of a baby's mind, and I am convinced that being able to communicate with your child via sign language is a valuable asset. The authors go to great lengths to explain their research, their experience, and the benefits of signing with babies. My thanks and appreciation to them for helping me learn to sign with my son.