We once went to a summer camp called "Mindstretchers" at a local college where we stayed in the dorms and instead of boondoggle and archery, we took classes like...logic and sign language. It seemed very grown up at the time, but looking back we suppose it was kind of dorky. However, we still remember most of the American Sign Language alphabet and think it's a good idea for everyone, even kids, to know a little, even if just to spell your name as introduction.
Portland artist Sarah Landwehr agrees and has made both an American Sign Language poster and individual letter blocks so more people can share and learn this beautiful language. Her ASL alphabet poster is screenprinted onto 14" x 18" oaktag (similar in color to a manila folder) in red and black. She sells the posters for $40 or, as incentive for teachers to bring ASL into the classroom, at a discount of $25 for teachers.
Sarah hasn't made all the ASL letters into blocks yet, but she's working on it. They're screenprinted and tea-dyed before being affixed to a painted red wood block. Each block if finished with beeswax and resin and costs $10.
Find the print and blocks at Sarah's Etsy shop, TwoSarahs.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I like the poster. I want to learn sign language with my kiddos.
view Lizzykewl's profile
I learned some sign language when I worked in a school/home for special needs kids in Ireland. Beyond the fact that this made it possible for our kids to communicate with us, it also meant that we coworkers could communicate across loud rooms and noisy pubs. I often wish that everyone in the world would learn one unified sign language (now that I'm back in the States, Irish Sign Language doesn't do me much good). It's a sappy idea, perhaps, but think how easy it would make traveling.
Two more things: I have five of Sarah's wood blocks (two letters, to faces, and a bird). I love them. Also, I love it when parents teach their children some basic sign language--I fully plan on teaching my own. It may seem overly precious or new age-y, but I think it drastically cuts down on both baby's and parents' frustration.
view CaseyB's profile
I have the poster and love it.
view meamom's profile