
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS, JEN, YOU ARE THE WINNER!
Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love Signing Time. With all the hype about teaching babies sign language, here’s my quick take on why I think it’s great:
Children comprehend a lot more than they can verbalize… Sign language basically empowers little ones to express themselves in a way that’s already natural to them. They love “talking” with their hands, facial expressions (who *hasn’t* seen a toddler pout?), and body language (tantrums, anyone?). Kids are simply expressive by nature, so equipping them with signs will go a long way in terms of helping them communicate a thought or feeling to you – AND helping you do the same to them. So technically, you don’t have to wait until your child utters his first word before you can “talk” to him. They’re a lot smarter than we think!
There are two separate series: Signing Time (for ages 1-8), and Baby Signing Time (for ages 0-3). The latter features more songs, animation and footage of toddlers doing signs, whereas the regular series features little animation, if any, and footage of kids of all ages signing in everyday life. From my experience, both series are equally engaging. My 10 month old will watch the regular series, and my preschooler still enjoys watching Baby Signing Time. (It is also quite endearing watching my preschooler teach his baby sister how to sign).
The songs are altogether catchy, original, and simple enough in lyrics and melody for little ones (and parents) to sing along… It’s worth noting that they are kinds of songs you probably wouldn’t mind being stuck in your head. [Notably, the creator of Signing Time is a musician who performed in a rock band until she learned that her then-14 month old daughter was profoundly deaf… and subsequently traded her music career for something much better!]
I was sent a set of flashcards to review, and found them to be sturdy AND practical, since it comes with a plastic ring for easy carrying – perfect for the car or trips to the grocery store. There are about 20 in the set I received – very colorful with simple sign descriptions. Also, each flashcard is 4×6 and therefore fits easily into a photo album for easy reference.
In addition to DVDs and flashcards, their online store carries CD collections, books, and online resources to download – all fantastic tools to reinforce the signing skills.
Signing Time is offering a discount to our readers! Enter coupon code loveit10 and receive 10% off before July 31st!

Signing Time is offering one of our readers My First Signs DVD Volume 1! To enter, visit their site and leave a comment on this post. For additional entries:
1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.
2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!
3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK GROUP!
4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.
5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.
6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.
This contest ends July 31st, 2009 Midnight EST.
Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!
5 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Contest, Discount, Dvd & Music, Educational | tags: baby, cds, communication, Dvd, sign language, signing time. | #