Say, Sing, and Sign Your ABC's

You probably know more sign language than you think! This interactive introduction to the alphabet and over 60 words is not only thorough and educational, but also entertaining. With the help of two professional sign language interpreters and a family of hand puppets, the adult host and a studio audience of children are taught not only the actual signs, but the basics of how to be an articulate signer. Catchy songs help reinforce what is being taught, and almost every spoken word is signed in this video, emphasizing that hand signs are as effective in communication as spoken language. The sets are colorful, and the hosts are energetic; unfortunately, production values could be somewhat improved. More close-ups of hands doing the signs would have been helpful--wide shots, awkward framing, or confusing shot composition too often obscured the actual movements of the hands. The accompanying full-color book illustrates and gives directions for all the signs taught in the video, and is a good resource even by itself. But the video is an optional purchase due to technical drawbacks. Aud: E, I, P. (E. Gieschen)