Educational Philosophy
Signing Time! is designed to encourage children to communicate by using American Sign Language (ASL) and has proven to be an amazingly valuable communication tool, not only for the deaf and hard of hearing population, but for all children of various ages and abilities. Signing Time engages children through captivating songs accompanied by playful lyrics and fun, entertaining methods for learning ASL vocabulary. The Benefits of Using Signing Time and American Sign Language American Sign Language is a beautiful visual-spatial language that provides many benefits. Signing Time realizes signing not only benefits those who are deaf and hard of hearing, but offers a multitude of benefits for hearing and special needs children as well. Research shows children develop the ability to utilize sign language well before they are able to formulate words and speak. Signing Time allows children to communicate much earlier boosting self-esteem and confidence. This ability to communicate by using Signing Time’s simple signs has proven to drastically reduce frustration in young children stemming from their inability to communicate (typically seen during the “Terrible Two’sâ€), while encouraging literacy and language acquisition. As Signing Time knows, and has experienced first hand, ASL provides another avenue of communication for children with special needs such as Down Syndrome, Autism, speech delays, physical, mental and other developmental delays, without relying on a their ability to develop speech. Signing Time has been instrumental by unlocking the once silent voices of many children who had the inability to communicate through speech and were otherwise unable to express even the simplest thoughts until now. Signing Time provides access to language and communication for all people. How to Use Signing Time as a Teaching and Learning Tool The Signing Time episodes, in conjunction with the Signing Time products, websites, lessons and activities, provide caregivers, educators and professionals with a comprehensive approach for teaching and learning a second language. All of the materials can be utilized exclusively or in conjunction with one another. For example, the Signing Time volumes, together with the lesson plans and activities, tie in additional themes and academic subject areas to make the learning experience complete while promoting success in learning a second language. You will find the lessons and activities allow for differentiated and/or direct instruction, and include the use of repetition and scaffolding while incorporating a repertoire of curricular subject areas such as math, reading, science, art, health, social studies and social-emotional aspects. The lessons and activities also include the use of graphic organizers and writing exercises such as journaling, to encourage self-analysis, growth, and much, much more! (Click here to view a sample lesson) Signing Time Episodes and Content The Signing Time episodes provide children with a unique learning experience and tap into many facets of education and child development theory. The program encourages children to become active participants in the learning process by interacting with Alex and Leah throughout the episodes. The Signing Time episodes incorporate a generous use of repetition and bright colors, as well as fun, entertaining characters like “Hopkins†the frog. The music and lyrics, an integral part of the Signing Time series, incorporate everyday activities, and routines that encompass children’s lives. The music, lyrics and content of each episode help children to build on their prior knowledge, a trait indicative of a successful learner. As a result, children are more capable of retaining and recalling previously taught information. (Click here to view a clip of an episode (you'll need a Quicktime viewer) The Multi-Sensory Approach of Signing Time All Signing Time materials employ a Multi-sensory Approach which draws upon the following senses: visual (sight), auditory (hearing) and tactile (touch). Many teachers only take advantage of one or two of these senses, usually visual or auditory, when teaching. However, employing the sense of touch assists children in remembering information by giving their brains tactile input to draw upon in addition to the information that was heard and seen. This type of teaching approach provides children with diverse learning styles and abilities additional support when learning. Signing Time does not adhere to one particular style or strategy for learning. Rather, Signing Time understands that each and every child is unique and therefore supports a multi-sensory approach which has proven to be a successful modality for typical and atypical children alike. Who Can Benefit From Signing Time? Signing Time offers something for everyone! Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers, Deaf, hard of hearing, hearing, those with special needs, Educators and other Professionals, you too can benefit from Signing Time! If you have children or grandchildren, Signing Time gives you the ability to learn a second language with your child or grandchild while enabling them to communicate, drastically reducing any frustration and anger they would have experienced otherwise. Older children too can experience additional benefits by singing and signing along with the songs, which encourages and promotes fluency in expressive (the ability to sign words) and receptive skills (the ability to understand words by seeing the signs). From the music, a more experienced audience has the ability to glean additional vocabulary that is not explicitly taught, but is embedded within the songs. All songs are signed and sung simultaneously which encourages the development of expressive and receptive sign skills, as well as the use of speech. The songs also build upon the English language while emphasizing literacy through the use of rhyming words, vocabulary and the learning, signing and singing of songs. Signing Time captivates, engages, and educates through fun and entertaining techniques…so come along and sign with us! | ABOUT THE PROGRAM ABOUT THE SITE LESSON PLANS
ACTIVITIES
HELP
|