So we did the crazy over-achieving parent thing and signed Jonah up for a Sign Language class at school. At first, I had inquired about the class, then dismissed it as silly. After all, we can teach signs at home and Jonah hasn't been so interested lately, now that he can ask for food. And wouldn't this be more effective as part of his regular day with his teachers? On the other hand, Daddy thought it was a silly idea at first, then considered that it would provide Jonah some real curriculum. After all, we've been sending him to school for 9 months and he still can't read or add. So we signed up.
Ms. Jen teaches Jonah one-on-one for some undisclosed length of time twice a week. Last week we received notes such as "Jonah just wanted to be held and talked to". Okay, at least in the craziness of his day with the big kids, Jonah gets a little personal attention and cuddling.
This week the note was "we worked on the sign for play, please practice and reinforce this at home." Okay, two things:
1.) The sign for "play" involves sticking out your thumb and pinkie on both hands and then twisting both wrists. (Yes, like "groovy".) This is hard! Jonah doesn't have the physical dexterity to do this with his hands, so when he waves both hands in the air, it is indistinguishable from "all done".
2.) "Play" is a very abstract concept. Maybe she is a genius in explaining this to a toddler, but to Jonah, what is the difference between play, work, learn, etc? To him, play encompasses everything that isn't eating (while being told not to play!) and sleeping. We could be signing play all day.
So I've lost some confidence that the teacher knows what she is doing. In her defense, she might be trying to work on signs Jonah doesn't already know. But he only knows 3. At home we're working on simple things, like "ball" while holding or pointing to Jonah's favorite toy. (Make a sphere with your fingers, separate your hands and then bring them together again, touching the fingertips together. Repeat.) Or "book". So far he's attempted to sign ball, but only because he really wanted his ball. Out of context, I would have thought he was asking for more because he was moving his hands together, but didn't position his fingers correctly. We'll keep practicing. Perhaps he will continue to enjoy his quiet cuddle time with Ms. Jen.
