Sign Language resources: my favorites:
Signing Savvy | ASL Sign Language Video Dictionary
HandSpeak: Sign Language • ASL Dictionary
Sign language is used by hearing children as well because it helps them give a visual cue and most children are visual learners. Sign language takes that natural tendency and helps to reinforce vocabulary and the meanings of words. When you can hear the word and see the word spoken it leaves a stronger imprint on the brain. ASL signs are also often closely tied to the actual meaning of the words – they make sense – such as cupping your hand behind the ear to sign “listen”.
Children who learn the basic sign language skills (such as American Sign Language – ASL) of signing the alphabet can have improved spelling skills. Signing helps to give kids another tool for remembering spelling words. Our muscles have their own mini-memories, so when we add signing a word to orally spelling the word is it easier to remember.