Description

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At a very young age, children are like sponges, absorbing everything they see and do, learning at an unprecedented rate. This ability to learn so quickly is what allows them to start speaking on an average between 10 months and 2 years old, and to pick up many grown-up mannerisms in infancy. American Sign Language (ASL) is the most recent discovery for infants, and is a very popular way of working their brains and teaching them not only an early form of communication, but the third-most spoken language in the United States. For those parents who teach their babies sign language at a young age and continue into childhood, it is possible for their child to learn quicker in school, and likely to be bilingual or even trilingual before reaching high school.

This book will guide every parent through the process of teaching an infant the necessary steps to understand beginning sign language. You will learn what you should expect from signing, from the basics of the program to the reactions you will get from your baby. You will learn how to get started by teaching yourself first, what the first signs you should focus on for your child, and when you should start teaching. You will learn how sign language can aid in the potty training process, and how it can help your child with his or her early learning and reading skills. You will be given a complete troubleshooting section with common problems you may encounter to help you when things do not go according to plan. You will also be given details about how to instruct and teach babysitters and nannies to use the same sign language while teaching your child.

Sign language experts, both for adults and children, have been interviewed and have provided their insight into how signing can change the interactions between you and your child. Learn how to develop signs as your child gets older and more cognitive, and how to combine signs into longer communications and even sentences well before he can speak. You will also learn how to start taming tantrums even before your child is 1 year old with sign language, and how to continue signing into older childhood, teaching your child full ASL and then branching out to additional options. Sign language is not only a great way to boost a child's intellect; it can help make your life much easier.

Unlike other books on this subject, this book will explore Deaf Culture and tips for teaching deaf and hard-of-hearing children sign language. It will also address how hearing children of deaf parents use sign language. The book also includes ways you can take use your new skill in signing and use it in different career opportunities. With this book, you'll share a different communication experience with your child and explore new possibilities.

Atlantic Publishing is a small, independent publishing company based in Ocala, Florida. Founded over twenty years ago in the company president's garage, Atlantic Publishing has grown to become a renowned resource for non-fiction books. Today, over 450 titles are in print covering subjects such as small business, healthy living, management, finance, careers, and real estate. Atlantic Publishing prides itself on producing award winning, high-quality manuals that give readers up-to-date, pertinent information, real-world examples, and case studies with expert advice. Every book has resources, contact information, and web sites of the products or companies discussed.

About the Author

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A writer, journalist, and editor for nearly two decades, Tracey Porpora is a successful freelance writer who has provided news, features, and analysis articles for dozens of consumer and trade magazines, Web sites, and major daily newspapers. She counts women's and parenting issues, health topics, and real estate issues among her favorite topics. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 5-yearold daughter, who loves learning new signs.