Celebrate through Song and Sign

A very beautiful song becomes even more beautiful with signs.

Happy New Year every one. For this year of the dragon 2012, may you be fearless and learn some thing new while being and becoming the number one you!

May we each celebrate our own individualities through song and sign.

My goal this new year is to learn a new song in a different language, along with the signs. I challenge you to take a fun journey with your child and learn the signs to your favorite song together this new year.

Take a look at this music video I enjoyed compiling together as different people around the world are seen expressing themselves as well as celebrating their individuality through song and sign!

Happy signing as our dear Etel would say, and happy singing this new year as well!

Song | Lyrics: Sekai Ni Hitotsu Dake No Hana
Band: SMAP
Subtitles: JE Mix Fansubs

Sign Language: The BEST Holiday Present

There are three reasons why sign language is one of the best gifts you can give to your child and to your family. First, introducing sign language to your baby will help stimulate his brain "muscles" and will lead to better intellectual performance later in life. As a parent, you know that it is important to give your child the necessary tools to succeed--why not begin now by letting him learn baby sign language? Second, sign language can allow for improved and clearer communication between family members. Your baby will feel like he can tell his mommy when he wants more milk and when he feels sad. Not only that, your baby can tell his older brother how much he loves him and even learn to read a book to him! Third, and most importantly, baby sign language decreases your child’s frustration and makes a happier baby. Baby sign language will allow you and your child to bond in a way that is beneficial to both—you will love seeing your child learn and your child will love having all of your attention! Baby sign language is the solution that parents have been searching for!

Celebrating and Shining~

etel 

Process of Elimination

I think we have all experienced the process of elimination when communicating with our family and peers.

When it comes to children learning how to communicate with their words, process of elimination can become long and drawn out with tantrums in between. But with signing, the process can become not only faster but quite joyful.

Take for instance, my 18 month old. We were at a friend's house, and he came into the kitchen where both the other mom and I were standing. Wait, let's tell this story from my 18 month old's perspective:

"So, I was standing there clearly signing 'cheese' like my mom had taught me. She looked over at the other mom and kept talking about how cute I was signing 'train'. I thought for sure this was how to sign 'cheese' (put one pointer finger on top of the other and move them them back and forth).

I tried it again to no avail, so I began moving closer to the refridgerator and pointing to it. I don't know why my mom didn't get it. She then asked the other mom jokingly but seriously if there was a train in the fridge (remembering I was looking in there earlier). It was then that she put the two together. Good job mom. Under 45 seconds!"

So, yes, my son had to wait a little while, signing anxiously an approximation sign for 'cheese' that resembled train. These thoughts went through my head: was there a train toy he just played with, was there a train magnet on the fridge, was there literally a train in the fridge (yes, funny, but I thought maybe a train picture was on a container of some sort). I then realized that about 10 minutes earlier he was given string cheese and therefore wanted more. I opened the fridge, signed 'cheese' and told him good job over and over, smiling from ear to ear.

Our children learn the process of elimination too... adding more details to what they need or want and being patient in helping us learn what they need or want.

Enjoy the journey.

Written by Shawna Tran