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Anybody know any good resources to help learn ASL? DD's really been getting into lately and can even sign 2-3 word sentences. I feel like I've hit a wall a bit, because I'm learning at the same time she is. She's constantly dragging my baby signs book out and asking for new ones and I keep teaching them to her but sometimes she remembers them better than me!

I'm looking for anything that could help both of us learn, books, DVD's, places to look to meet other signers. I'd really love to immerse her in some sort of playgroup with people that know how to actually sign, i think she'd pick it up really quickly but I feel like I'd be imposing since I don't know how to sign that well at this point (unless they want to talk about changing diapers or what our cat is up to ).

Also, any ideas on how I can quickly learn more to keep up with her and keep her satisfied??

Why, as a matter of fact, I do!

For basic vocab, here is an on-line dictionary with video: http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm

And here is another, no video but really clear pix and some good explanations (you can browse the resources on the main page or hop straight to the dictionary): http://www.lifeprint.com/

For deaf community events in NY, try here: http://deafness.about.com/od/travel/a/nycdeaf.htm

If you have any spare time (ha!), I highly recommend an introductory class on ASL, which should give you info about the culture and the local community as well as jump-start you on the language itself. Community colleges often offer these. If you can find one that uses the Vista curriculum (Signing Naturally), I strongly recommend it.

And a couple of other tips:

- Most baby-sign books contain a lot of made-up signs. If you want to learn real ASL, don't use them.

- Be alert to the difference between ASL and "signed English." ASL has its own grammar, which is quite different from English. Also, there is not always a one-to-one match between English words and ASL signs (just like between any two languages).

Please contact me off-line if you have further questions!

Meg

We liked the Signing Time videos as well. A Gymboree around here used to teach it before it closed.

Here's one more resource:

http://www.aslpro.com/