Experience of reading out loud during preg, listening to classical music, and teaching a baby sign language.?
I am 5 months pregnant and i have been purchasing bedtime books since my 20th week. I read somewhere that it really helps the development of my babys brain in the womb. i am also going to buy some bach and mozart to play in the background. I have also purchased some baby books that show basic sign language and i have started practicing and teaching my bf. I was wondering what the experinence has been for mothers who have done this with their children.
I started reading aloud to my daughters when they were in the womb. It didn't matter to them what I read, and I enjoy reading novels for pleasure, so I started with "Pride and Prejudice." It's a little too soon to tell with my youngest, but my 6 year old is reading on a 4th grade level.
Of course I have continued reading to them after birth. Still novels until my oldest was about 4 months. I went on to picture books when she started to point and coo, but read things without pictures like Alice In Wonderland and The Wizard of OZ at bedtime. I think that has more to do with it than prenatal reading.
I never played music for my child in the womb, but I'm sure it can't hurt. I kind of wish I had tried it.
I didn't teach them sign language either, but my sister teaches her daycare children and their parents basic signs, and they all pick up on it very fast. She says it's much easier to communicate with a 12 month old who knows basic signs, as they don't have the vocal skills yet, but can still understand and sign their needs. I wish I lived closer to her so that she could teach us too.
Congratulations and Good Luck
can anyone help me find American Sign Language books for cheap?
I'm looking for American Sign Language books but I can't afford to pay a big price for them. Does anyone have any ideas of where I can get any books for a fairly decent price?
look up on the web, www.ASLPro.com. They have pictures and an extensive collection, religious, conversational, even baby dictionaries.
Has anyone hear learned/taught themself ASL(sign language)?
Im watching MTV's "True Life" and this documentary is about deaf people living in a hearing world. I consider myself a lover of all languages which is why I am trying to learn. ASL has never crossed my mind as a valuable language to learn, Im starting to see that it is.
Who has successfully taught themselves ASL and how long did it take you?
ASL speakers, can you tell if someone is a newbie when it comes to sign language? Like if they stumble around w/ their hands? Is it hard to comprehend them?
sorry, I meant to say "Has anyone HERE, not HEAR"
Great question. Actually, the best way to learn ASL is to be immersed in deaf culture and learn from those who know it best. You can learn some basic signs in a book, but that doesn't mean you know ASL- it's a complicated language, full of it's own grammer, idioms and subtle meanings.
Just like you wouldn't learn how to pronounce some spanish words from reading them in a book and announce you know spanish, one studying ASL needs to know that just because they have some basic signs does not mean they are fluent in ASL
Honestly, the only way to truly learn the language (and not just *signs*) is by becoming involved in the Deaf community and having them help, teach, and guide you along the way.
I commend you for wanting to learn, and I wish you all sorts of good luck!!
I'll leave you with this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pVA8-wvSwM
The man is Deaf, and although I've been interpreting for 5 years and signing for 16 years, I am no where near as eloquent as he is. I wish it was something I could pick up in a book! Just some food for thought. 
**ADDITIONAL DETAILS***
Check out ASLpro.com for a GREAT signed dictionary that can at least get you started and is ten times better than any book!
Do you know of any good websites to learn some basics in sign language?
I am interested in learning sign language. Do you know of any good websites to learn from? Do you know of any place where I can take a sign language class?
I live about 50 miles south of Pittsburgh. I don't know of any deaf schools in the area and I'm not sure if any of the local colleges/universities offer a sign language class.
Hi! Thanks so much for your interest in sign language!
These are all free online ASL browsers and great!
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm
http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/signs.htm
http://www.masterstech-home.com/The_Library/ASL_Dictionary_Project/ASL_Tables/A.html
http://www.aslpro.com/
As for the classes to take sign language, you would need to place an area nearby so we know where to direct you!
Good luck and keep at it!