Ep 18. My Clothes

My Clothes is the eighteenth episode of Season 2 of Signing Time, a children's educational show that teaches American Sign Language (ASL) through songs, stories and activities. In this episode, the host, Rachel, and her friends, Alex and Leah, introduce children to a variety of clothing items, colors and patterns, and teach them how to sign the corresponding words in ASL.

The episode opens with Rachel looking through her closet to find the perfect outfit for a party. She explains to viewers that clothes are not just something we put on our bodies; they also help us express our personalities and convey messages to others. She then sings a catchy song called "My Clothes" that encourages children to look at what they're wearing and learn the signs for different items.

Next, Rachel and her friends play a game of dress-up, where they try on different clothes and show off their favorite outfits. They model a variety of items such as shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, socks, hats, and scarves, and demonstrate how to sign each word in ASL. While they're at it, they also incorporate concepts like size, style, and color, and show how to sign signs like big, small, fancy, casual, green, yellow, and striped.

Throughout the episode, Rachel and her friends use repetition to reinforce the signs and encourage children to practice them. They also incorporate humor and fun animations to keep the viewers engaged. For instance, they show a cartoon cat who is trying to find something to wear for the party, and who keeps picking out outrageous outfits that don't quite work.

In addition to introducing different clothing items, "My Clothes" also teaches children about the different materials and textures of clothes. Rachel and her friends pass around clothes made of cotton, silk, wool, and denim, and describe how each one feels. They also show how to sign signs like soft, smooth, fuzzy, and rough.

The episode follows a clear and structured format, with each segment building on previous ones. For example, after modeling different clothes, Rachel and her friends engage in a matching activity, where they ask children to find the corresponding signs for different items. They also show a clip of a deaf teenager who explains how she uses ASL to express herself through clothing and accessories, and how she feels more confident and comfortable when she can communicate with others.

Finally, the episode ends with another fun and upbeat song that reviews the different signs learned in the episode. Rachel and her friends dance around in their favorite outfits and encourage children to practice signing along with them. They also give children a chance to send in pictures of themselves in their favorite clothes, and promise to feature some of them in future episodes.

Overall, "My Clothes" is a lively and engaging episode that introduces children to a variety of clothing items, colors, and patterns, and teaches them how to sign the corresponding words in ASL. It encourages children to look at their clothes in a new way, and shows them how to use language to express themselves and connect with others. Whether you're a parent or a teacher, this episode is a great way to introduce ASL vocabulary to children in a fun and memorable way.