Baby Sign Language Books: The Shocking Truth About These Parent Resources!
You want to start learning sign language to use with your baby, and so you head to Google for a quick search for some resources. And just like with many Google searches for things related to parenting and motherhood, books pop up! AWESOME!!
If you don’t already, please follow me on Instagram for more about how sign language can be a game charger for your baby / toddler’s early communication skills.
However… there are a ton of results for baby sign language books out there. Same over on Amazon. Now starts the process of asking friends which ones they have, ordering a few to check them out (thanks to Amazon for making returning a breeze), and just seeing where it takes you.
Once they arrive, your initial questions are only the tip of the iceberg…
Wait!! These books are contradicting one another!
I hear you speaking to yourself: "This one shows the sign for DOG slapping the thigh, another book shows the tongue sticking out like a dog panting, and a third shows what may look like snapping your fingers.”
Confusing, much?
These pictures are cute but so dang hard to figure out!
And now I hear you asking others: “Is your thumb on top or closed like a true fist to sign MILK? Are the fingers touching or spread apart when signing ALL DONE?”
Between the small illustrations, arrows pointing in every which way, and text that doesn’t really help clarify how to sign these words very well.
So, what do you need to look for, exactly?
Vet the author and publisher.
You want to make sure that they are, in fact, tied to the Deaf community and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Unfortunately, not any “Baby Sign Language” certificates or programs are actually rooted in the Deaf culture with any training in ASL, so even those books published by these organizations are not superior. A resource by a true expert, or that is endorsed by a true expert, is what you want. (related: what makes an expert in sign language for babies?)
Access to video tutorials.
There is no written form of sign language. This is why illustrations vary so widely, and can be very hard to distinguish. Use any printed material in conjunction with video tutorials by an expert (see above: you still want to vet the publisher of the video!)
More than just the signs.
Knowing the correct signs is definitely important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. You’ll find it much more helpful to have a resource that also includes a few tips and pointers about how to use the signs with your child.
Sooo…. Is there even a baby sign language book or resource I DO recommend?!
You’re in luck! I have a few board books that you and your little one will LOVE!! Read about them here.
Look Who’s Signing Now is my signature four part course that teaches you the exact blueprint I use to teach my own children sign language. Beginning with the foundation of why and when to use baby sign language, how to implement it, and what signs to use. With this self-study e-course, you will have the confidence to sign with your baby and boost their early communication while reducing frustrations, tantrums, and time wasted playing the guessing game.
Check out my online resources for parents! Browse my current offerings.
