Why Signing Time Is a Homeschool Parent’s Secret Weapon
Have you heard of Signing Time? Perhaps you’ve caught a glimpse of their catchy songs on Nick Jr., or maybe you’ve streamed a few episodes on Netflix. If you’re new to the world of Signing Time, you’re about to discover one of the most valuable educational resources for your homeschool journey!
As a homeschool parent, I stumbled upon Signing Time during my early parenting years around 2010-2011. I had always been interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL). When I discovered these interactive videos designed to teach babies, toddlers, and children sign language, I was immediately intrigued. After learning about the impressive benefits of teaching American Sign Language (ASL) to young children, I couldn’t wait to incorporate it into our homeschool curriculum.
The Amazing Benefits of Teaching ASL to Children
The research-backed benefits of teaching American Sign Language to children are truly remarkable:
1. Accelerated Language Development
Children who learn sign language often experience enhanced early language development and better reading skills. The multi-sensory approach of signing engages different parts of the brain compared to spoken language alone, creating more neural connections for language processing.
2. Fewer Tantrums and Reduced Frustration
Most toddler tantrums occur when children cannot express their needs effectively. By using sign language, children can clearly express what they’re trying to say, making it easier to resolve situations. This reduced frustration benefits both the child and the parent!
3. Boosted IQ and Cognitive Development
Studies have shown that children who learn to sign often demonstrate higher IQ scores. Because sign language requires students to use multiple senses, it can help with vocabulary retention and give them a larger vocabulary bank.
4. Enhanced Social Skills
At Fraser School, educators share that using sign language can help capture children’s attention during learning activities. When singing songs with signs, young children are more engaged, which helps them retain information better.
5. Improved Reading Readiness
Because most letters in sign language resemble their written counterparts, teaching children to sign can help them better recognize and write their ABCs, which in turn improves their reading and comprehension skills.
Choosing Between Baby Signing Time and Signing Time
When I first discovered these excellent resources, I faced a dilemma: should I get Baby Signing Time or Signing Time? After careful consideration, I chose Signing Time for my slightly advanced daughter, Isabella. Later, I purchased Baby Signing Time for my son, AJ. Both were excellent choices for different reasons!
Baby Signing Time (Best for Ages 0-3)
Baby Signing Time is perfectly tailored for infants and toddlers. The series features animated versions of Leah, Alex, and Hopkins (the frog), alongside host Rachel Coleman. The program includes more music than the regular Signing Time series, which is terrific for engaging the youngest learners. Babies can’t get enough of these 30-minute shows filled with catchy tunes and clear sign language demonstrations.
Signing Time (Ideal for Ages 3+)
For preschoolers and elementary-age children, the original Signing Time series is ideal. This program introduces viewers to the real-life Alex and Leah as children, along with Rachel Coleman and Hopkins. The series maintains an engaging musical format while expanding its vocabulary. I appreciate that Series 1 covers words from Baby Signing Time, so nothing is missed if you start with this version.
What’s Included in the Signing Time Collection?
Signing Time offers a comprehensive range of products:
- DVDs are organized in Series 1 and Series 2
- CDs with catchy, educational songs
- Books to reinforce learning
- Flashcards for practice activities
- Special editions like Signing Time Christmas and Potty Time
- Digital downloads and streaming options
Extended Activities to Enhance Your Signing Time Experience
The learning doesn’t have to stop when the videos end! Here are some engaging activities to help reinforce ASL learning in your homeschool:
1. Sign Language Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt around your home using signs your children have learned. Give clues in ASL and have them find objects that match the signs. This reinforces vocabulary while making learning an active and fun experience.
2. Silent Meal Time
Designate one meal per week as “silent meal time,” where family members communicate using only the signs they’ve learned. This creates an immersive environment that strengthens signing skills and encourages creative communication.
3. ASL Story Time
When reading stories together, incorporate signs for key words. Sign language can be a natural extension to planning school lessons and even reading stories together. This multi-sensory approach helps children connect the written word, spoken language, and signs.
4. Sign Language Games
Play “What’s That Word?” using flashcards. Show your child the picture on the front and ask them to sign the letter that the picture starts with. Then, work on finger spelling the whole word together. Games like this make practice enjoyable rather than feeling like work.
5. Field Trip Sign Practice
When getting out with your kids, plan and find the ASL signs for things you’ll encounter while out and about. Practice signing at locations like the zoo, a lake, a fire station, or even in your backyard.
6. Progress Charts
Signing Time offers free downloadable progress charts that list all the signs taught in their series. Check them off as you and your children learn each sign to track your progress and celebrate milestones.
7. Coloring Activities
Signing Time provides free coloring pages featuring Alex and Leah that you can print for your children, combining artistic expression with ASL learning.
Why Signing Time Is Perfect for Special Needs Children
Signing Time isn’t just for typically developing children – it’s also an incredible resource for children with special needs. Sign language can aid speech-language development as well as social and academic development for children with special needs.
This makes Signing Time an invaluable tool for families with children who have:
- Autism
- Speech delays
- Down syndrome
- Hearing impairments
Children with special needs often experience frustration when communication becomes difficult. Sign language reduces frustration by providing a way to expressively communicate in situations where verbal communication may not be successful.
Our Personal Experience with Signing Time
In our homeschool journey, Signing Time has been a cherished resource. Both of my children fell in love with the characters, music, and signs. The program helped them communicate at an early age, reducing frustration and strengthening our bond as they could express their needs more clearly.
The catchy songs have a way of sticking in your head (parents, you’ve been warned!), but they make learning fun and natural. We often find ourselves signing along to the tunes throughout our day, seamlessly integrating ASL into our regular routines.
Ready to Start Your Signing Time Journey?
If you’re interested in exploring Signing Time for your homeschool, there are several ways to get started:
- Visit SigningTime.com to browse their complete collection
- Check your local library for Signing Time DVDs
- Look for Signing Time episodes on streaming services
- Download individual episodes or subscribe to their digital platform
Whether you choose Baby Signing Time for your youngest learners or Signing Time for your older children, you’ll be giving them a wonderful gift – the ability to communicate in multiple languages while boosting their cognitive development in countless ways.
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