Should I learn vocab in a different order if I'm learning for a 5 y/o?

Question

I have a friend whose 5 y/o daughter is losing her hearing, either partially or possibly fully, so I've started learning ASL so I can still talk to her. But given the fact that's she's only 5, I wasn't sure if standard lessons would teach me in a decent enough order to communicate with a young child? Should I just temporarily ignore signs that wouldn't really be relevant in order to focus on the signs that are more common for speaking with kids? Or are there better methods?

Answer 1

Follow the child's mother's lead. She may not want you to use sign language with her daughter.. Most children can master their native language by the time they are five, during the formative years. She may be able to rely more successfully on lipreading and hearing aids than learning a completely new language. You are a friend of the mother so let her decide how you proceed.

Answer 2

Shelby,

I recommend that you learn basic conversational ASL because it will teach you the fundamentals and much of the vocabulary you will learn will be applicable to any situation or age. You will also be learning the structures and how sign language works. But I also agree with you that in addition you should be learning the particular vocabulary that will help you meet your daughter's immediate communication needs. This is why online one-on-one tutoring can be very efficient in this circumstance.

I would be happy to provide a free one half hour session to discuss this further with you. And if you decide to pursue your ASL learning through Wyzant I would be happy to provide tutoring for you.

Best wishes with your daughter and I applaud you for learning sign language. Your daughter is very fortunate indeed to have you as her parent.

Regards

Bill