by E. Tillery

Created on: July 13, 2009

Whether you are the parent of a hearing-impaired child or a hearing child and you want to teach them sign language there are several categories that can be used when deciding on which books would be best to begin your adventure. My daughter is 18 months old and starting learning a few signs in daycare at 10 months old. She now uses both sign language and oral communication. I began checking out books at the library to reinforce and expand on what she was learning. Her wants, needs, general words and phrases and even bedtime basics were some of the things I wanted to teach her. Lora Heller has a great series of books out from board books for your infant/toddler to books for your school aged child. There are also a couple other authors I recommend for a children's guide to sign language.

Choosing to use both oral communication and sign language was a great choice for our family. My daughter has caught on to things much faster than I had expected. Your child is learning something everyday, from expressing their basic wants and needs, to learning about the alphabet and the colors in the world. Most local libraries and book stores have a variety of books on sign language. One day I decided to go to my local library and look through the books and see which children's books laid out the things I found most essential and in the most simplistic manner.

Most children also begin learning the alphabet and colors around the same time. I found this to be a prime opportunity to bring sign language into her life. One of the books we used to learn about these things was Sign Language for Kids by Lora Heller. It has great illustrations showing the sign being used and the captions describe how to form the letters or signs. They were great for me to follow and I imagine would be just as helpful for young children learning to sign. The book is geared towards the third through seventh grade crowd. I will say however, that I have found children's books my best resource for teaching my toddler how to sign and teaching myself. They offer the most simplistic way for learning.

Learning general words and phrases was huge in my daughter's ability to express her needs and wants. She no longer became frustrated when I didn't understand that she was thirsty or wanted a snack. Sign language allows her to express herself even when she doesn't have the words to say it. I Want by Lora Heller teaches your child how to ask for help, tell you they want more of something, or even tell

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