I remember my first day working at Signing Time. It was the day of the LIVE concert with Rachel, Alex, Leah and Hopkins from Signing Time. When I interviewed for the position, I did a little browsing online to familiarize myself with who they were, what products they sold and how I was going to fit into the mold. I am not married, don't have children, didn't really have a need to know sign language but had a feeling that there was so much more to this story that I didn't know. I wouldn't say I took a leap of faith by any means, because I understood that this company was all about making a difference for children, which is something I WANT to be involved in.
On my very first day, I knew that I was so lucky to have been hired by this company. I was able to see Rachel, Alex and Leah perform for children of all abilities during their LIVE concert. I got teary-eyed during some of the songs (what's new, right). Parents were up most of the time with their children, dancing, singing and signing. Everyone had a blast. Even though I hadn't worked there for longer than a couple hours, I knew what Signing Time was all about. Since then, I have been working really hard to try to get the word out about what I know. Part of my job is to make other people aware of who we are and what we are trying to accomplish. As part of that, I get to be a part of this greater whole: to make products that encourage communication for children of ALL abilities through American Sign Language (ASL). You can read All about us: OUR STORY too.
I get to see behind the scenes. I get to cry from reading testimonials of people whose words have influenced the next best thing. I get to see families ask for more of our product because of the difference it has had in their lives. I get to see Rachel's face when we tell her about this email or that of people who have been influenced because she and her sister were inspired with this mission. I get to see these products (over and over and over ;) before they are released. I get to give input on the best way to make it better, or more effective, or whatever. I get to go with Rachel on her outreach events and coordinate interviews, travel arrangements, meet and greets, events and presentations where I cry every time when she tells her story because it is so phenomenal. I GET to do all that.
And I also get to post the previews for the newest DVDs so you can get a glimpse of our new babies, Baby Signing Time 3 & 4. I wasn't involved in the production of these shows other than a couple comments and helping out with putting together text for auditions -- oh no, that was our incredible team here at the office that did that, but I was able to "ooh" and "aah" and comment on how much these DVDs make me feel warm and fuzzy!
Check out these new previews for the upcoming Baby Signing Time 3 & 4 that will be released in October. If you like what you see and WANT some for yourself, we put together a BLOG contest right now where you can enter to win the entire Baby Signing Time Gift Set (1,2,3 and 4) with the accompanying CDs. (I sound like an ad right?) OK, here are those videos.
Baby Signing Time Volume 3: A New Day
Baby Signing Time Volume 4: Let's be Friends
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!
5 comments:
Great post, I love that you're involved with this. You are amazing!
Hey Lindsey! It's Merri (used to be Thornburg!) How are you?? I've really enjoyed reading your blog. I love all the signing stuff you do! My blog is private, but send me your email address at nursemerri@cox.net and I'll add ya!
So cool! Again I love signing time. I tell so many parents with kids that have disabilities and parents that don't have kids with disabilities. I think it is so cool to watch little kids learn a whole new language and it could help them so much in their lives! We only have the first set of DVDs and the first CD. I haven't been able to afford more but I hope someday I can get them all!
We watch the DVDs you gave Jovie and I a lot! You should see how excited she gets just with the opening song!!! It's really quite funny...she looks at me with her mouth in a cute little 'O'. And then she sits on my lap, ready to go. We don't get through much together...but I learn a lot. I guess Jovie is still 9 months, she'll get there. :0)
One of my friends has a 13-month old girl and they've been signing with her since she was 3 months old - no one is deaf but they wanted her to be able to communicate with them. They only sign basic words like drink, please, thank you, hungry, etc. and it was great to watch a baby who couldn't form words yet communicate. AND... she started making her own signs - she stood and looked at her grandma, rubbed her tummy then patted her butt, and grandma ran her to the bathroom and... well the kid can now tell people when she has to go! Potty-training at 13 months on the BABY'S own accord! And it is so cute to watch her always say please and thank you!
-April U.
Post a Comment