Nick Jr. watchers, perhaps you’ve noticed, but over the past few weeks, there have been some cool new music videos in between shows, particularly videos that feature sign language? In early December, Nick Jr. introduced Signing Time, an interstitial music series dedicated to teaching sign language to preschoolers.
There are three Signing Time videos which feature Emmy-nominated Rachel Coleman, will be in regular rotation on Nick Jr. airing 1-2 times per day in between commercials and regular shows.
The videos that can be seen on Nick Jr. include, “In a House,” which introduces the signs for different family members; “Feelings,” which teaches signs for feelings and “Groove with Me,” which offers signs for activities such as jumping and dancing.
For those who want to catch more Signing Times, there are two additional videos that are exclusive to www.nickjr.com. “Leah’s Farm,” which presents the signs for animals and “A is for Alex and Alligator,” which teaches kids how to sign the entire alphabet can be accessed any time online.
Coleman co-created Signing Time as a means to teach children to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL). As the mother of a daughter who is deaf, and another daughter with both cerebral palsy and spina bifida, sign language has played a central role in their family. Coleman, who is also a singer and songwriter, has written all the original songs featured in the series.
Here’s a peek at an older video called Caterpillar Dreams:
What’s so interesting about Signing Time is that it incorporates both music and signing, two attributes that are sure to turn preschoolers’ heads. As opposed to Baby Signs, which has come to the forefront in the past few years, Signing Times uses ASL signing concepts. Signing Time is a great example of programming suited for kids with Special Needs–kudos to Nick Jr. for adding Signing Times music videos to their lineup. Next step, add full episodes of Singing Time to the Nick Jr. lineup!
I love how expressive and energetic Coleman is in these videos, yet she’s definitely not over the top. The music is pleasant and catchy, and again, nothing too overwhelming. The complementary graphics and backdrops are all fun and vibrant, too.
Signing was, and still is, a big help for communicating with the kid. When he gets too excited to say words, he’ll sign more or somehing similar. I’m so thankful we were influenced to introduce baby signing, but it’s my hope for the next kid that we’ll introduce ASL signing concepts as well.
Be sure to check out Signing Time online on YouTube, Facebook and on their blog. And as always, Nick Jr. has some fun activities on their website–perfect for a rainy day like we’re having today!
