Discovering the Joy of Sign Language: A Heartfelt Review of American Sign Language Dictionary, Third Edition
As a mom of three curious little ones, our family bedtime routine can sometimes feel like a wild ride. Books piled high, kids asking a million questions, and a gentle chaos punctuating our evenings. Recently, our bedtime story sessions took a delightful twist when I introduced the American Sign Language Dictionary, Third Edition by Martin L. A. Sternberg. This wasn’t just any ordinary book; it became a bridge to understanding a beautiful language expressed through movement—perfect for curious minds eager to learn!
From the moment we flipped the pages, I noticed how intrigued my kids were by the striking illustrations alongside clear, step-by-step instructions for over 5,000 signs. The book is like a treasure chest, each sign a gem waiting to be discovered. My four-year-old was especially drawn to the illustrations of hands in motion, and we squealed in delight as we attempted to mimic some of the signs. The laughter that erupted when we fumbled through a few was infectious, and it turned our reading time into a mini sign language class!
What truly captivated us was how approachable the book felt. Sternberg’s organized format made it easy for us to locate signs quickly, whether it was for words like "thank you" or "fun." Our favorite moment came when we were learning to sign the word "play." Suddenly, my eldest burst out, “Can we sign while we play?” It opened up such a sweet conversation about how we can use signs in our everyday life—during playtime, while cooking, even when shushing the baby to sleep!
While reading, it was heartwarming to witness my children’s confidence grow with each sign they learned. They were not just learning a language; they were truly connecting with each other and with their environment in a new way. The clumsy yet earnest attempts made my heart swell. These moments captured that blend of motherhood—tender, funny, and raw. One night, after practicing, my five-year-old signed “I love you” to me and his little sister. In that moment, I realized this book was more than just a dictionary; it was fostering love and understanding in our family.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it—at 800 pages, the book does have some heft! But don’t let that intimidate you; it’s filled with such rich content that I can see why others rave about its thoroughness. We do break it up into manageable chunks during our reading sessions, and it has quickly become a cherished resource rather than a dusty reference book.
I would recommend the American Sign Language Dictionary to parents of young children who are looking for meaningful ways to communicate with their kids, educators seeking to introduce sign language in a fun manner, or anyone interested in bridging gaps with language. You can bet this book will continually be part of our evening rituals—not just as a one-time read, but as an engaging reference on our journey together.
In three little hearts, this book has carved out a path of affection and understanding that I never knew we needed. So, if you’re seeking a special read that inspires connection, I highly encourage giving this gem a home on your bookshelf! It’s more than just a book; it’s a journey intended to enrich our everyday lives with the beauty of communication.
Discover the world of communication with the American Sign Language Dictionary, Third Edition! >>
