Best Sign Language DVDS for Beginners and Families
Choosing a sign language DVD can help families learn ASL basics, expand communication at home, and support early language development. The following selections are widely used resources that cover foundational vocabulary, everyday signs, and practical signing strategies. Each title includes engaging content suitable for adults learning alongside children, with clear demonstrations and guided practice.
| Product | Brand | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Brainy Baby Sign Language DVD Talking Hands Classic Edition | Brainy Baby | |
| A Basic Course in American Sign Language 4-Disc DVD ABCASL Series | Harris Communications | |
| Easy Sign Language | Selectmedia | |
| Sign Language 101: A Beginner’s Guide to American Sign Language | Sign Language 101 | |
| Brainy Baby Talking Hands Sign Language DVD: Deluxe Edition | Brainy Baby |
Note: Each product offers a different approach, from multi-disc comprehensives to focused introductions. The list below highlights five options most relevant to beginners and families seeking practical signing skills.
Brainy Baby Sign Language DVD Talking Hands Classic Edition
Brainy Baby’s Talking Hands Classic Edition introduces more than 30 everyday words using American Sign Language (ASL) and Signing Exact English (SEE). This university-studied program emphasizes early communication, bonding through signing, and family interaction. The content is designed so that children can begin signing even before they have robust speech, making it a practical, development-friendly option for families seeking engaging lessons with recognizable daily terms.
A Basic Course in American Sign Language 4-Disc DVD ABCASL Series
This four-disc course from Harris Communications provides a structured introduction to ASL. While compact in description, the program is positioned as a foundational classroom-style resource. The package lists item weight at 1 lb, indicating a light, home-friendly set ideal for individuals or families beginning their signing journey. It offers a systematic path for learners who prefer a formal progression through signs and grammar basics.
Easy Sign Language
Easy Sign Language by Selectmedia focuses on practical signing skills for everyday communication. The program aims to help learners connect with family, friends, and coworkers through clear demonstrations and easy-to-follow steps. While succinct, it targets core vocabulary and common phrases, making it a approachable option for beginners seeking quick wins in signing conversations.
Sign Language 101: A Beginner’s Guide to American Sign Language
This beginner-focused program offers access to hundreds of words, sentences, idioms, and grammar lessons. Presented by three ASL professors, it emphasizes foundational grammar alongside practical vocabulary. The content is well-suited for self-study or guided learning with a mentor, providing a steady progression from basic signs to more complex sentence structures.
Brainy Baby Talking Hands Sign Language DVD: Deluxe Edition
The Deluxe Edition from Brainy Baby builds on its signature Talking Hands approach, teaching signs for everyday words, family members, manners, and the alphabet. This edition emphasizes caregiver guidance with a Parent Card that offers practical suggestions and fun activities to reinforce signing skills at home. The program’s longevity—trusted for over two decades—reflects its enduring relevance for families seeking a reliable, engaging signing resource.
Buying Guide
- Audience and goals: Choose a program aligned with your age group, whether for children, adults, or both, and decide whether you want a comprehensive course or a quick-start vocabulary set.
- Depth of content: Consider the breadth of signs covered, grammar lessons, and the balance between vocabulary and practical conversation practice.
- Teaching style: Look for demonstrations that match your learning preferences—structured lessons, family-friendly activities, or classroom-style guidance.
- Supplementary materials: Parent guides, printable cards, and practice exercises can enhance retention and engagement, especially for families with kids.
- Duration and pacing: Multi-disc DVD sets may offer deeper study, while single-disc or shorter programs can fit busy schedules and shorter attention spans.
- Accessibility: Consider whether the program uses clear visuals, slower pacing, and repetition to support beginners and learners with different abilities.
- Community and support: Some brands offer additional resources or updates that can extend learning beyond the DVD, including online companion content.
- Format considerations: DVDs remain useful for offline viewing, but consider compatibility with players and potential digital options if you prefer streaming.
- Age suitability: For families with toddlers or preschoolers, programs emphasizing play-based practice can improve engagement and retention.
- Quality indicators: Look for content created or reviewed by educators or ASL professionals, and check user reviews for practical efficacy and clarity.