Second Chances Kid's Consignment Shop

Leslie Lewis
Master Signing Time Instructor
Sign Loud And Clear! Bridging Hearts And Minds, Through Sign

As anyone who spends time with young children can attest, it is not always easy to understand what they are trying to communicate. Leslie Lewis, a Master Signing Time Instructor, strives to help children verbalize their thoughts through American Sign Language (ASL). Please read on for our Q & A with Leslie, and learn all about the importance of teaching children ASL, how she uses Barefoot books in her classroom and more!

Q: What is a Master Signing Time Instructor? What do you do and what types of families/children do you work with?
A: Being a Master Signing Time Instructor means that I have taken the necessary classes and received certificates for ASL 101-104, submitted a video to show my signing skills, and passed background checks and an interview with the Signing Time Academy. Being at the ‘Master’ Level just means that I am now able to teach professionals, adults and children, and can also present at conferences and events.  I work with all types of families, from all walks of life. I began my career with a workshop teaching parents and professionals who had children on the autism spectrum. Since that time I have taught pre-verbal babies, children with speech delays, etc. I also enjoy teaching typical eight-year-olds in an after-school program.

Q: Why is it important for non-deaf children to learn ASL? What are the benefits of signing for such children?
A: For these children, learning ASL is not only fun, but also gives them exposure to a second (or sometimes third) language. It helps build self-esteem in children who may be shy, encourages literacy, increases spelling and vocabulary skills, and is a bonding experience for parents and children. Not all children learn the same way. Signing aides the visual learner and those who are tactile-kinesthetic because not only do children see and hear what the signs are, they learn to make and associate the signs. This enables them to ‘feel’ the word. In pre-verbal babies, it gives them a voice before they can talk, and helps them to have a larger vocabulary by the time they can talk.

Q: What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
A: There are so many, it’s hard to choose! I would have to say, when parents tell me their baby signed to them, it is wonderful, but when parents say, “I understood what my child wanted!” it is even better, because where a situation could have been frustrating for both child and parent, the communication gap is bridged. The child conveys his needs, and the parent understands! It’s a win-win situation!

Q: How did you discover Barefoot Books?
A: I am always looking for more interesting things to bring to my classes. Especially books! I visited a local store after my class at Cradle in Northampton, MA called A to Z Science Store. They have everything. I noticed the bright pictures in two books with CDs, The Magic Train Ride and The Animal Boogie. I couldn’t decide which book to get that day. I had the store play one CD for me, and ended up taking home The Animal Boogie. I enjoyed it so much, that I immediately regretted leaving The Magic Train Ride. I went back after my class the following Monday, and purchased that one too. My girls and I rode the ‘Magic Train’ all the way home!

Q: Why do you use Barefoot books in your classroom?
A: The books are engaging, the colors and art work are amazing! Sometimes I just turn the pages and let the music play.

Q: How do you use our books as learning aids?
A: I teach the signs for the story ahead of time. Then as the words come up in the song, we sign along with the song, or while I read the book. Sometimes though, we just dance around.

Q: Can you share a significant memory or reaction from a student based on using our books in your classroom?
A: I remember one little boy who usually stays around his mom during class. He came right up to me during story time because of the vibrant artwork in The Animal Boogie. He had never done that before, and it surprised us.

Q: Which Barefoot books do you most enjoy?
A: So far I have only three books that I have used in class, and I have purchased two more on a recent visit to the Barefoot Books store in Concord, MA. I love The Magic Train Ride because it takes me away to all those fairy tale places and we usually pretend we are on a train. We act out being at the different stops, and then we have a ball running quickly to our ‘train’ before it pulls off! I think we all like this one best so far.

Q: We understand that you’ve taught a class for parents of children who have autism. Do you have some tips you can share for families who have children who have autism or who have other special needs to help them learn language and literacy skills?
A: I’m no expert with ASD or other special needs, but I have seen firsthand the benefits of using sign language with children. Yes, children with ASD have a challenge with communication. Research has repeatedly shown that using sign language does not impede the acquisition of verbal language. It actually has the opposite effect. Teaching sign language may actually increase levels of verbalization. Watching the Signing Time videos with the entire family, not just the child, and then incorporating them into your family’s daily routines will help tremendously. I recommend Signing Time’s DVD’s and flash cards because they make learning the language fun and simple. You can easily make your own books and flashcards too. I say stick to a few signs for things that the child is interested in and then increase your vocabulary. Always ‘Say and Sign’—meaning talking while signing—since we want to encourage using speech ultimately. I call it ‘layering’ the education. Remember to be patient and practice. Take a fun Signing Time class, or become an instructor yourself!

Q: Why do you think storytimes are important for children?
A: When children are gathered for a storytime, whether it is in a group, or one on one, it is a time to extend communication. It allows the child to see that reading is a good thing, and then develop a love for it. It allows children to hear more vocabulary, rhymes and nonsense words. It opens up their mind and helps to develop language skills. Adding or layering ASL signs to storytime enhances this experience.

I'm happy to announce that Leslie Lewis Master Signing Time Instructor will be offer classes on Thursday in my Community Room.

Signing with Special Needs - A time to bond and communicate

This class is geared towards giving parents a time to build relationships with other parents, and for children to learn to communicate with their parents in American Sign Language.  Basic Sign's will be taught for daily communication, finger spelling and colors. ABC's & 123's will also be taught.  We will do signing and signing, book reading and signing, and crafts.

This Class runs for 8 weeks and includes a DVD - Playtime signs - & take home materirals.

$165.00 and siblings half price. Pre-registration required.

Baby Sign and Play - a Signing Playgroup

In this class we will learn basic ASL vocabulary, practice ABC's & 123's sing lots of songs, play games, share successes and experiences, learn about leading and signing and share tips weekly. Expect to gain friendship, build communications with your child, and simply have fun!

Suggested age 6 months to 36 months

Class runs for 8 weeks and includes a set of flashcards and take home materials

$160.00 siblings half price. Pre-registration required

 registration please contact Leslie at

www.signloudandclear.webs.com