'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Saturday 28 January 2012

Review: Set to Sign: Sleepover

Just as all languages do, British Sign Language has its own grammar and word order. The main topic of any conversation is signed before its modifier, so rather than saying 'that is my house', you would sign 'house - mine'.

But sign language is much more than just hand signals. The same signs can actually be used to represent many different things, depending on its modifiers, expression, position and intensity.

Designed for kids who already have a basic understanding of sign language - or for children who may, for various reasons, have speech difficulties, this brilliant set of cards from Child's Play focuses on extending vocabulary and encouraging discourse in more complex events and emotions.

Complete with gorgeous illustrations by Jess Stockham, these sturdy cards feature a front face with image and word, then a back face with signing explanation and instructional picture. The BSL hand shapes are also explained on a card at the back of the pack - and all come in a handy plastic cover.

A wonderful extension for children with hearing loss, the cards could also be used for the development of vocabulary comprehension in children under two - also known as baby signing.

The cards also come in other themes: Baby Sitter, Big Day Out, Nursery. See the Child's Play website for more.

Title: Set to Sign: Sleepover
Illustrator: Jess Stockham
Publisher: Child's Play, $19.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 September 2009
ISBN: 9781846432972
Format: Card set
For ages: 2 - 5
Type: Educational card park