The following is a post from contributing writer Megan Spires at House of the Rising Sons.

Did you know that teaching your children American Sign Language (ASL) can help improve their reading and spelling skills, encourage an interest in books and even improve their confidence and self esteem?

Did you also know that, from an educational standpoint, ASL qualifies as a foreign language in most states?

Our passion for American Sign Language grew out of necessity when our second son was born with a severe hearing loss in both ears. We were devastated at first, but with early intervention services and the decision to learn sign language and teach it to all of our children, we thrived. Communication, for our family, was redefined and we wouldn’t change it for anything. We’ve witnessed all of the benefits mentioned with each one of our children.

Now, six years later, I look back and wonder if I would have taken the time to learn ASL and teach it to my children if we hadn’t needed it. Would I have even considered it as a second language option? I would love to think that I would have, but my honest answer is, probably not. Even though this language is gaining popularity among families with babies and toddlers, it doesn’t seem to be a foreign language or second language option that most families consider past the age of 2 or 3.

I believe that one of the biggest reasons families don’t consider this language is because of how little information there is available in how to learn it. So many early learning articles discuss the myriad of beneficial reasons to learning a second language, but oddly, ASL is hardly ever mentioned as one of those languages.

This needs to change.

When we learned ASL, I quickly realized that it is best learned through interaction, games, reading children’s books together and fun crafts and activities. It is possible to learn from ASL text books. There are many of those out there, but sign language is such a multi-sensory language that it just flows so naturally into the way children love to play and learn. It’s just not easy to learn ASL from a text book.

With the help of some great tools and online resources, creative ideas and consistency, learning and teaching ASL to your kids can be a very natural and fun thing to incorporate into your homeschooling days. One of the first things your child learns when learning to read and write is the alphabet and how to spell their names. Here are some fun ways to teach your kids these skills with ASL to get you started:

Make an “All About Me” placemat or small wall poster with their names on it.

The first thing you’ll need to do is download a free ASL font on your computer. You can do that at: Simply The Best Fonts. Once you’ve done this, open up a Word type document or other publishing software and start typing your child’s name. You’ll want to increase the font size quite a bit for this project.

ASL font

This is what your font will look like. This says "ASL".

Type out the alphabet with a space in between each letter to leave room for cutting. You could even use different font colors if you choose to. Then print out your letters and begin cutting out each letter. Be sure to leave enough room so that you can write the letter of each sign individually, if you choose to.

Start decorating and placing the letters on your favorite colored paper. You can make this piece of artwork as simple or complex as you’d like, depending on the age of your child. You could even include a photograph of them if you’d like. If you have a laminating machine, this would be a perfect project to laminate.

 

ASL Placemat

 Bookmarks

We made simple bookmarks with some of our favorite words in ASL on them. Your kids could also make them with their own names on them.

ASL Bookmark

"Grace"

 Alphabet Chart

A very easy way to teach your kids the alphabet in sign language is to create a chart. Laminate it if you have that option and ask them to spell certain words, while signing the letters at the same time. I do this with my boys and then have them write out each word using a dry erase pen. They could always write their words on another sheet of paper as they practice their signs.

On the flip side of this page, I will write the written letters randomly on the page. Then ask my kids to spell a word without the help of the ASL pictures to see if they can remember their signs after practicing.

ASL Alphabet Chart

 Label items around the house

Once you’re getting comfortable signing letters, you can begin typing up some words with your ASL font and labeling things around the house. Since so many ASL signs actually include the ASL letters in the words, learning the letters is such a great place to start. For instance, the word “family” is signed by connecting two letter “f” signs with both hands.

Once your kids learn the ASL alphabet, it’s so easy to then move on to learning more signs. I’ll share more fun ways to learn and teach ASL to your kids next time.

Have you considered teaching ASL to your kids?
Here are two more excellent resources for learning ASL: Signing Time  and ASLU.

Megan writes about her journey raising and homeschooling four little men at House of the Rising Sons. She enjoys writing about her faith, love for her family and friends and teaching ASL. 

 

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Audiobook Pictures, Images and Photosphoto by averagejoeblogs

Summer is here! It’s time for lazy days spent at the pool, backyard barbecues, and long drives to Grandma and Grandpa’s house.  It’s also time for endless complaints of “I don’t have anything to do” and “Are we there yet?”

Fortunately, our family discovered the joy of audio books some years ago. Audio books are a wonderful way to pass a hot afternoon or hours on the road, and so, in anticipation of long, hot days and family road trips, here is our family’s of all-time-favorite audio books and radio dramas (in no particular order).  Maybe your family will find a favorite or two among them as well.

Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery. As a mom of two boys, I was sure I’d never have the opportunity to share one of my all-time favorite stories with my boys, but as it turns out, they absolutely loved listening to the adventures of red-haired Anne Shirley as narrated by Barbara Caruso.  Ms. Caruso transports the listener to a simpler time, a time of long days, kindred spirits, and endless adventure.  If your family enjoys Anne of Green Gables, be sure to give Anne of Avonlea a try as well.  Anne’s adventures in this second set of stories are a bit more grown-up, but no less fun.

Farmer Boy and the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. As with Anne of Green Gables, I was anxious to introduce my boys to my other favorite literary companion from childhood:  Laura Ingalls, but attempts at reading Little House in the Big Woods, the first book in the series, with them ended prematurely as they fidgeted to move on to something different.  Just about when I was ready to give up on the Little House series, a friend suggested I try introducing the boys to Farmer Boy, the adventures of Laura’s future-husband, Almanzo Wilder.  I decided to try Farmer Boy on audio book.  The boys were hooked instantly.  They begged for the CD to be turned on each time we climbed into the car, and when we finished Farmer Boy, they couldn’t wait to hear more, and so we moved on to Little House in the Big Woods, and then on to each of the remaining 7 books each in turn.  And now, after listening to each story at least twice, my 10-year-old says he wants to move to Minnesota, to Walnut Grove, in particular.  He enjoyed the books that much!

The Four Story Mistake, The Saturdays, and Then There Were Five by Elizabeth Enright. Elizabeth Enright’s books are similar to Anne of Green Gables and the Little House books in many ways.  Endearing characters, fun adventures, simpler times, and beautiful language will keep parents and children alike listening to her stories again and again.  The Melendy children, the subjects of Enright’s stories, are as charming and as memorable as Anne and Laura.

Jonathan Park Adventures. We were first introduced to these Creation-based science adventures through our homeschool Yahoo group.  The adventure begins when Jonathan and his father collide with the Brenan family as they seek shelter from a sudden storm in a hidden cave. After discovering a massive dinosaur graveyard, the two families combine forces to build a Creation Science Museum to spread the message of the Creator!  From there, the adventures continue with high adventure, Creation Science, and strong family values.  As an added bonus, the Brenans homeschool their children, and after several adventures together, the Parks decide this is the right decision for them as well.  Produced by Vision Forum, these stories are sure to be a hit with adventure-seekers young and old  in your family.  (www.VisionForum.com)

The Kingdom Series. We were recently introduced to a new series that is quickly becoming a family favorite.  The Kingdom Series is a Medieval chronological allegory of the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  The knights, castles, and battles are all symbolic of people, places, and events in Scripture.  These are audio dramas complete with original musical scores, sound effects, and character voices that are sure to capture the attention of all!  (www.KingdomSeries.com)

Summer dragging on?  Planning another long trip? 

Need more audio book ideas? Our family also loved the Narnia Series, Redwall, and classics like The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, The Secret Garden, The Cricket in Times Square, and The Mouse and the Motorcycle.   Jim Weiss’ telling of favorite tales and stories are also a hit on shorter trips (www.greathall.com).  For even more ideas, check out the incredible book lists at the Austin Montessori School’s website: www.austinmontessori.com (click on resources and then readings).  You’re sure to find many of these books in audio book format at your local library.

What is your family’s favorite audio book or series?  Have you shared a favorite from your childhood with your children?  We’re always looking for new favorites to make lazy afternoons and long drives a bit more entertaining.

Jennifer and her boys are busy making a list of audio books they will enjoy on their next drive to Grandma and Grandpa’s. They’ll be sure to share their new favorites at their blog:  Adventures in McQuill-land.

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Great Homeschooling Links: Gardening for Kids

May 19, 2012

The following is a post by contributing writer, Sheri, of Learning Pavilion. Spring is here and gardening is a great way to get the kids outside, active, and learning! Even if you don’t have a garden, there are ways you can create a garden-like atmosphere for enjoyment.  Here are a few fun ways to get [...]

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Cheap Summer Activities for Children

May 18, 2012

The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy.  Your schoolwork is all done — now it’s time for some play! Looking for ideas for frugal family fun this summer? Here are ten ideas to get you started.   1. Just add Water In the hot summer days of Kentucky, my children are happiest [...]

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To Test or Not To Test?

May 16, 2012

The following is a post by contributing writer Sarah Small of SmallWorld at Home. To test or not to test? It is one of the most common questions I hear in homeschooling discussions. Every state has different requirements for testing. In our state (Tennessee), one must register in one of three ways in order to [...]

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Free Sewing Machine 911 Online Class

May 15, 2012

Hand sewing and machine sewing are both amazing skills to work on with your children!  In fact, I’ve shared all about why I think sewing skills are vital skills for children to learn.  I’m not a master seamstress, mind you.  I just feel that these are some basic skills that will help them over and [...]

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