The Pick Me Up! Music CD and American Sign Language Activity Guide has 20 original songs for children 7 months to 7 years and older. It also has bonus material such as multimedia presentations to help you understand exactly what to do. This product is for hearing children, parents, and teachers. I wish this would have been out a few years ago, but not to worry there are always grandchildren.

By combining music and movement, children will learn faster while having a good time. These songs were created with hand movements that could be used by pre-verbal babies outside of the song activities to help them clearly express their thoughts and needs. In turn, this can reduce a child's frustration as they are able to express their desires and the parents are able to understand.

Learning sign language with music works! I learned sign language many years ago and haven't had many opportunities to practice my signs. Unfortunately, if you don't use it, you loose it. However, the signs I remember are the ones from songs I learned for a Christmas presentation; thus, I believe in such a natural pairing of signs and songs.

The activity book has all you need to learn and lead an activity.

• Activity overview for each song and concept
• Lyrics, signs, vocalizations and mime options
• Signs suggestions with full-color illustrations
• Dr. Joseph Garcia's tips and insights
• Simple signing (alternate approach for younger students)
• Additional Signs (more complex interpretations of songs)
• Index of Signs with presented signs and concepts

Lastly, this is an awesome start for children to learn a second language, which is later required for college. According to the authors, ASL is the third most-used language in the United States so the need to learn is there whether you plan to leave the country or not. Moreover, our opportunity to minister to people is increased by learning to communicate within the deaf community.

-Product review by Stephanie D. Scarborough, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, April 2006