Shut Up and Sign, Vol. 1–3

Gr 9 Up—Deaf actor Bob Hiltermann stars in this very entertaining and instructive series for American Sign Language (ASL) learners. His approach is perfect for advanced beginners and for those who have taken an ASL course or two, as well as a wonderful treat for beginners. His method of practicing common words and phrases in natural surroundings is classic and effective. To teach numbers, he doles out cookie dough on a baking sheet. To teach the days of the week, he exits his front door in seven different outfits—both male and female! The videography is playful and engaging. Hiltermann addresses Deaf etiquette, key for interacting with the community. He peppers each lesson with ASL grammar: how nouns differ from verbs, how to use proper facial expressions for emphasis, and how to create time phrases such as "five years ago" and "in two weeks." He integrates these advanced skills seamlessly by using large doses of humor. Each volume culminates with a signed song, an effective and fun way to review the content and learn more signs. Fingerspelling is a huge part of learning ASL, both in the students' receptive skills and in the dexterity needed for signing. Each level is progressively more difficult and can be seen by words or by sentences. A perfect match for an ASL club.—Sara Lissa Paulson, PS 347, The ASL & English Lower School, New York, NY