Signing Naturally Student Workbook: Level 1, Expanded Edition

First, you need to have both the book and the video and a class. It's not the best text for trying to teach yourself ASL. I did not start using this book until I was in level 2 of ASL at BCC and we started in the middle of the book. If you're just starting to learn ASL, put the video on slow-mo. I took a look at the video for the beginning units and the sign is insanely fast for a beginner. Flipside to that remark, you see sign at a fast speed so you must adapt to it more quickly. This is an old book, last copyrighted in 1992, so some signs are outdated (especially ethnicities). Read the grammar and cultural notes! They're very important for using ASL and interacting with the Deaf community. It's not there but it would be nice if the vocabulary signs had a description underneath (palm orientation, handshape, direction of travel) and translation OR in the DVD, include a review for all signs.

I'm at at the college where these authors wrote the book. I actually have Cheri Smith, one of the writers, as my ASL 2 teacher the first half of the semester. She is excellent! This books helps a lot in learning different words. The signers on the video are somewhat fast, but once you get the hang of it...you'll understand it. Also, have the video go SLOW; it'll help you pick the signs better. Overall, everything is excellent...I recommend getting both items and possibly taking this class at BCC.

Yah, I had this book for a semester and never used the video once. I think you have to be a retard to not understand this book. It shows how to sign each word as well as phrases very in depth. Awesome book.

I received the book, but the video did not come with it. The description did not mention this and when I e-mailed Power Ace Books, I did not receive a reply. Just be careful and ask before you buy.

I bought this text to study for an ASL exam, but did not purchase the video. Please let this serve as a warning that if you do not purchase the video, this book is almost worthless. It is intended to go along with the video. A lot of the sellers are only selling the text, so beware.

Since I already knew some sign, this text served as a refresher for my exam, but I wasn't able to get the full use out of it.