Why choose a program, like Hop to Signaroo which is based on American Sign Language, instead of a system with signs designed specifically for babies?
American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most commonly used language in the United States, after English and Spanish. Other infant sign programs may use an invented system of gestures, which are not based on ASL. However, when you choose such a program you’re teaching your child a secret language which no one else will understand. Your little one may be in a distress situation at some point and signing HURT or HELP and chances are someone will recognize this as a true ASL sign and be able to offer assistance if you’re not there to do so, but only if you’ve chosen to teach your baby ASL instead of made-up gestures. Also, it’s likely that your child will learn some American Sign Language once in elementary school, if not sooner. ASL is often used in many elementary and preschools when little ones learn new songs, stories or fingerplays. Special needs students who rely on ASL are routinely mainstreamed into regular education classrooms; so when you teach your little one ASL, you’re insti
