I am a writer, illustrator, and an educator who teaches children of all
ages about American Sign Language (ASL). My inspiration comes from my
sister Monica Marciniak, an ASL instructor at The College of St.
Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. Monica, being deaf herself, creates
awareness of the importance of deaf culture and teaches that
communication is a gift. I am proud to say that my sister is the reason I
do what I do.
My most important job is being a mother to my five year old daughter
Caroline and my two year old son Cullen. Seeing the world through
their eyes has given my life a whole new meaning. They are the reason I
started to write and illustrate children’s picture books. My husband,
Joel Day, has been my biggest supporter and my rock for almost twelve
years of marriage. He is a devoted father, hard worker and a talented
writer. It gives me so much joy that the two of us were given the
opportunity to publish a book together.
I want to instill in people that anyone can sign and everyone can
communicate better. We live in very rushed and need it now society.
Teaching our children to become more effective at communicating will
decrease confusion and increase stability in many aspects in their
lives.
Once Upon a Family and Look Who's Learning to Sign are books designed to teach young children and tots the
basic family signs of American Sign Language (ASL).
Angela Day ~ (218) 393-2127 ~ Email
Even if you don’t know American Sign Language, with Look Who's Learning Sign you can teach your preschoolers signs for words they use every day! Signing and reading go hand and hand. Using the two skills together can promote early literacy in children. A child is able to participate not only by listening, but also by becoming more actively involved during story time. They can express themselves with their hands, which makes it easier for a child to retain information. In addition to the educational benefits, it is also a fun way to connect with your child.
"Once Upon a Family" is a book designed to teach
toddlers and young children the signs in American Sign Language (ASL),
for basic vocabulary related to family. The book teaches sign through
creative, colorful pictures and family-oriented text. It is a great
introduction of ASL to kids, teaching them the basics of a different
language and a different way to communicate. Sign language skills can
enhance spoken vocabulary, memory, fine motor skills, increase their
interest in books, raise IQ, and enrich infant-parent bonding. I feel my
book reaches children that are hearing, deaf, and children of special
needs. I taught my 1½ year old daughter Caroline baby sign language. She
is able to communicate her daily needs, and it has reduced frustration
for both her and me. My goal is to generate awareness of American Sign
Language to children and their parents. It gives them exposure to a
whole new world of communication and culture. Imagine your child being
able to communicate with a deaf child. Think of how special that child
would feel. My sister was that deaf child and she felt isolated and
alone during her early school days. Knowing the very basics of ASL can
facilitate communication and eliminate the insecurities that children
feel when confronted with a communication barrier. Even as adults we
struggle with these insecurities, and sadly we tend to avoid them all
together. “Once Upon a Family” can be your first step towards
eliminating this communication barrier, and gaining an understanding of
what being deaf is all about.
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