Signing Time!
Signing Time is a children's television program that teaches American Sign Language. It is aired in the United States and hosted by Rachel de Azevedo Coleman.
History
In late 1996, Coleman had a daughter who she named Leah. Fourteen months after she was born, Coleman and her husband, Aaron, discovered that Leah had been deaf since she was born. Afterwards, the couple began to teach Leah American Sign Language so that they may learn to communicate, becoming quite able at the skill. At the same time, Rachel's sister Emilie and her husband Derek began teaching Leah's newborn cousin, Alex, how to sign, and he grew to learn it quickly as well.
Rachel and Emilie decided to create a visual video for hearing children so that ASL could be made accessible to all children, and together created Two Little Hands Productions, their producing company. The project has turned into a massive success, spawning a successful television run and much merchandise.
Format
Rachel hosts the show herself, with her daughter Leah and nephew Alex also starring to provide support. Already a musician, Rachel sings a myriad of songs during each episode, all the while signing the words. During the episode, many signs from a certain topic (schools, daytime activities, etc.) and then has Leah and Alex sign, alongside with a montage of many other children of different backgrounds. The words are then emphasized with song.