Baby Signs (Board Book)

Allen, J. (2007). Baby signs : a baby-sized guide to speaking with sign language. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0-8037-3193-6

Interest Level: Ages 3 & under
Genre: Board Book
Subjects/Themes: Babies, Sign Lanuage, First Words

Plot: This board book introduces young babies and toddlers to 13 different signs for some everyday concepts.  Those signs are: Milk, Water, More, All done, Diaper, Dog, Cat, It hurts, Help me, Mommy, Daddy, Book, and Sleepy.  The book suggests introducing these concepts to a child as young as six months.

Personal Thoughts: This book has soft and colorful crayon illustrations that depict a baby performing the different hand signs.  On the bottom of the page, the phrase or word is given with a written description of how to perform the sign.  Next to that is a step-by-step illustration of the hand motion.  While some of the words/phrases are standards in a baby's vocabulary (Mommy, Daddy, Milk, Sleepy), some might not be so useful depending on the household (Dog, Cat) though they are fun to sign.

Other Books by the Author: Princess Party (2009)
Author's Blog: Joy Allen's Blog

Similar Items: Baby Einstein: See and Sign with Baby [DVD] (2007); Wow First Words: Teach your baby sign language [Board Book] (2007); My First Signs by Kubler [Board Book] (2004); 

Bee Smart Baby Vocabulary Builder (DVD)

Baby Bumble Bee. (2002). Bee smart baby vocabulary builder: Volume 1 [DVD]. Crystal Beach, FL: Educational Products for Infancy.

Interest Level: 3 & under
Subjects/Themes: Phonics, Sign Language, Foreign Languages, Vehicles, Animals, Anatomy, Everyday Items 
Running Time: 30 minutes + 6 minute Sign Langauge Lesson
Price: $25 (individual DVD) or $130 for the full set with flashcards

Plot:  Children are introduced to different items through a series of pictures, video, text and sound.  Different words that relate items that a baby would come in contact with are introduced such as vehicles, animals, body parts, and everyday items.  The same DVD can be played in English, German, Spanish, French, or Japanese.  Also included is a 6 minute Sign Langauge lesson that introduces some everyday concepts.   

Personal Thoughts:  The DVD is meant for use as a digital lapsit tool with the parent or caregiver present during viewing.  Explained during the opening credits, this so that children can pick up on a parent's enthusiasm and mimic their actions.  One bonus feature includes an animal sound identification game.  Well made graphics and video combined with developmentally appropriate concepts make this DVD a good digital learning resource.  Unfortunately the DVD set price is extremely high for a family with a new baby.  I suggest you make your own flashcards (which is really the extra item your paying for) and borrowing a copy from your local library like I did. 

Company Website: Baby Bumble Bee Website

Baby Einstein Series (DVD)

Walt Disney Home Entertainment. (2007). Baby Einstein: My first signs, see and sign with baby [DVD]. Burbank, CA: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Interest Level: 5 & under
Subjects/Themes: Word Recognition, Everyday Items, Sign Language, Opposites
Running Time: 30 minutes
Price: $12 to $16

Plot:  Join special guest Marlee Matlin and the Baby Einstein puppets as they learn 20 common phrases and words in a combination of American Sign Language (ASL) and Conceptually Accurate Signed English.  New signs are introduced in a way that relates to the baby’s everyday surroundings for example signs that relate to family, eating, and playing.  The words for each item is both spoken, signed, and written on the screen.   

Personal Thoughts:  Check out your local library for a copy of this DVD because it is an exceptional digital learning tool for young children.  Transitions from one concept to the next is smoothly accomplished.  The puppets, people, and graphics in the movie are all happy and entertaining to watch.  There is several bonus features that go over the different signs that were introduced in the DVD, such as an opposites feature.  A great tool for use by children alone or with a parent. 

Awards:
NAPPA Gold Award (2007)
National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award (2007)

Company Website: Baby Einstein Website