Do -Re-Mi Scale Hand Signs

The octave using these words are actually called solfege. and there are accompanying Curwin/Glover hand signs. These are the signs to accompany notes while you sing. This way kids get a visual with the sound and better learn. You can use them with a song and then slowly eliminate certain words sung, while still making the signs. Try a simple folk song like Mary Had a Little Lamb.

Sign Language 101

I think the best way to learn signs is to use a few that are the most common words in your communication with your children. And then use those which are most pictorial--as a visual representation of what you are doing.

It makes most sense to children when the sign is similar to the action--after all, that's how sign language started...trying to act out things, right. Sign Language is theatrical and for a reason. So with kids, let's honor the roots of sign language by playing charades in effect, before we get into the nitty-gritty details of today's standardized sign language which may not make complete sense to a child who is trying to understand the already complex world.

The important this isn't doing the sign perfect, but creating something that helps you and your child communicate. So the charts below are a guide to get you started in your own journey of visually communicating with your children.


A Few Beginning Signs: (some that don't seem understandable right away may need to be introduced more dramatically/theatrically...like "Thank you")

• eat
• drink
• please (like your heart wanting it....makes sense for a little older children)
• yes (like a head nod)
• diaper (I normally tap the baby's diaper when I do it so she can feel)
• book

letters from alldeaf.com

Vowel Song

I am teaching Ethan vowels and feel it most helpful to sing them and show him that vowels are the letters that are an open sound with our mouth, where breath can freely flow through without interruption. (while consonants block or stop free flow of breath.) This seems an organic way of developing language.

So we sing the vowels. And we love it. During the day I'll stop and ask him if certain letters are vowels and he always knows, without memorizing, because the mouth being open with free breath--it just makes sense.

---
Sally sings this little song to help specifically link vowels to their respective sounds. And I find it quite helpful for helping Ethan read by sounding out the vowel.



Tune: 'Where is Thumbkin"

Where is ______ (A, E, I, O or U)?
Where is ______?
Here it is. (bring right hand forward in letter's sign language--see chart below in blue)
Here it is. (now bring left hand forward with letter's sign language)
______________ (shake right and repeat corresponding long vowel sound to tune)
______________ (shake left hand and repeat corresponding short vowel sound to tune)
Run Away. (right hand goes behind back)
Run away. (left hand goes behind back)

www.alldeaf.com

Long sounds are like saying the letter's name. Short sounds are as follows:

A - Apple

E - Egg

I - Iguana

O - Octopus

U - Umbrella

Signing Poem: I Love You

(optional tune: I’m a Little Teapot)

Hold your fingers up in the air.

Now wiggle your thumb, we'll start from there.

Wiggle your pointer, just for fun.

Now, put down your middle finger and the ring one.

Keep up your pinky for all to see.

This means, "I Love You," and I hope you love me.