Video invites youngsters
to both sing and sign along
Sign Songs: With John Kinstler and Ken Lonnquist, Aylmer PressFinger rhymes and motions, a sort of dancing with the upper body, are fun for people of all ages, but especially kids.
Remember doing "The wheels on the bus go round and round," as a kid? Wasn't it fun?
A new video, "Sign Songs," let's you have that same kind of fun while learning how to sign. The video features Ken Lonnquist performing songs he has written for kids, and John Kinstler, formerly with the National Theatre of the Deaf, interpreting the words in sign language.
They are joined by a number of other performers, including several youngsters, a plate spinner and people of all ages in doing songs about getting along, washing dishes, a big rhino and much more.
Some of the tunes are quite catchy, and may remind video viewers of Raffi tunes. A few are a bit preachy, but the morals are not overly burdensome.
One pretty song, "Gentle Wind," is accompanied by sweeping arm and head movements that may remind you of the hula.
The video has won Parent's Choice approval and printed lyrics are included with the video.
"Sign Songs" isn't currently available at such stores as Blockbuster Video, Border's Books & Music, Toys "R" Us" and Child's Play, but most of them would be more than willing to special order it.
Or you can order it from Aylmer Press, P.O. Box 2735, Madison, Wis. 53701. The cost is about $25 plus shipping and handling.
The company will be releasing another video in two or three months about finger spelling.
By Marilyn Ige, Star-Bulletin
