Baby Einstein: My First Signs

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Parents and baby finally speak the same language.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this DVD targeted at babies teaches babies and parents how to communicate nonverbally by using sign language. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against letting children under 2 watch television or videos since this is a key period of growth and development (which is why the Common Sense rating system doesn't go below age 2). That said, this is a highly interactive DVD with useful information for parents wanting to learn this communication skill.

  • The DVD's main goal is to teach babies and parents to communicate via sign language. Repetition reinforces the lessons.
  • The DVD is interactive and has useful information for parents. That said, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against children under 2 watching TV.
  • The puppets and hostess Marlee Matlin are friendly and upbeat, and they make the sign lessons fun and interactive.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

Studies have shown that learning sign language allows babies to communicate even before they can talk. Designed for ages 6 months and older, BABY EINSTEIN: MY FIRST SIGNS features actress Marlee Matlin and the Baby Einstein puppets. Divided into segments (family, mealtime, play, and bedtime), the program teaches children and their families 20 signs (a combination of American Sign Language and Conceptually Accurate Signed English,) including those for "mommy," "daddy," "eat," "drink," "ball," "friend," "sleep," and "bath." Repetition helps reinforce learning; Matlin introduces each sign, which is then depicted frequently in a mix of live-action scenes, paintings, cartoons, and still photographs. Toddlers, older children, and adults are all shown using the various signs, and there are also some funny learning skits with Matlin and the puppets.


Is it any good?

 

BABY EINSTEIN: MY FIRST SIGNS is a delightful introduction to teaching sign language to children over 6 months of age. The DVD incorporates the music of Beethoven, Handel, and Schubert throughout, uses Bonus features include puppet shows and Matlin teaching viewers additional signs, such as "boy," "girl," "good," and "bad."


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about other signs they can create to communicate with one another. Are there any signs that the baby in the family already uses to express herself?

  • What other ways can parents and young children communicate?


This review was written by Teresa Talerico
Parent of 1 and 4 year old
January 26, 2011
 
useful, educational video
There are a whole lot of signs so it's a little overwhelming, but appealing to kids with both adult and children modeling signs, pictures, cartoons and video clips representing each word. Fast paced yet includes review.

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Parent of 2, 4, and 6 year old
April 9, 2008
 

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This review was written by Teresa Talerico
Studio:Walt Disney Pictures
Director:Mark LaVine
Cast:Marlee Matlin
Genre:Family and Kids
Run time:27 minutes
Theatrical release date:March 13, 2007
DVD release date:March 13, 2007
MPAA rating:NR

This review was written by Teresa Talerico
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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