Once Upon a Sign: Using American Sign Language to Engage, Entertain, and Teach All Children

This book shows how integrating American Sign Language (ASL) into story time and other educational programs can benefit and entertain ALL children, whether or not they are hearing impaired, from infancy onward.

There are a multitude of reasons to introduce hearing children to American Sign Language, currently the third most-used language in the United States. Babies and young children who are taught basic signing typically have a stronger bond with their parents; young children who sign show increased self confidence and enthusiasm for learning, and studies have even shown significantly higher IQs as a result of using sign language.

Once Upon a Sign: Using American Sign Language to Engage, Entertain, and Teach All Children contains an introduction to using American Sign Language in the library, suggested program ideas for infants and toddlers (and their parents), as well as suggestions for school-age children, ‘tweens, and even teens. By showing librarians and other educators how to integrate American Sign Language into their lapsit, preschool storytime, and 'tween/teen programs, this text will benefit not only the hearing children that constitute the majority of patrons, but also help hearing impaired and deaf children feel welcome and appreciated in the library.

Includes 14 complete program ideas appropriate for young learners, from infancy through high school-age patrons (plus parents of babies/toddlers)

More than 200 photos clearly illustrate signs

Resources listed include ASL Books/Media for Adults, ASL Books/Media for Children, and the ASL Manual Alphabet