Sign Language Baby!
Sign language is a great way to encourage early language development. Babies will often sign to indicate their wants, needs, and emotions before they are able to use words. There are many reasons to learn sign language with your child. Some studies indicate that babies who learn to use signs have an increased vocabulary, improved communication skills, and longer sentence structures when they begin to use words.
Babies who have a way to communicate through use of signs, gestures, and simple words may experience less frustration and reduced crying. Being able to tell us what they want helps them feel understood and empowers parents/caregivers to better interpret a child's requests.
Some Child Care Schools recognize the value of incorporating Signing into the daily program of activities. Primrose Schools had developed a signing program that includes focused vocabulary with signs that coincide with their monthly themes. Parents receive "Sign Cards" on a key ring to attach to baby's diaper bag or to use at home. For more information on Primrose School Sign Language Program see the following:
http://www.primroseschools.com/online-community/360-parenting/qa-sign-language-expert-stacy-Thompson
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/teach-your-tot-to-sign-stacy-a-thompson/1112156521?ean=9781563683114
Important Notes
What to Ask regarding School Signing
Infant/Toddler Programs
1. How do you use signs throughout the day?
Signs should be used within the context of what is happening in real time. Learning signs is not a one time a day, sit down during circle time to learn kind of activity. Signing needs to happen in coordination with the appropriate activity so Infants and Toddlers make that connection.
2. What signs can we incorporate at home?
Learn signs that correspond with activities that occur at school and at home. For example:
Diapering
Feeding/Meal Times (Eat, Milk, Drink, More, All Done, and types of food)
Sleeping/Nap time
Playtime/Toys/Clean Up/All Done
Music/Story Time Books
Mommy/Daddy
3. How often are signs used for each activity?
Signs should be used naturally throughout the day and every time the activity occurs in order for them to become a part of a routine. Use simple words in tandem with the signs so Infants/Toddlers see the signs and hear the words. Sometimes they will use both and eventually phase out the signing. This will happen organically, so you don't need to be concerned that child will only use signs and not words.
A Final Thought
I used signing with all three of my children. We still use our signs in certain situations where it is hard to hear each other or when we are not able to use our voices. (Church, Movie Theater, or in a very noisy, crowded situation.) Signing is worth the time and should be considered learning a new language...many children are growing up bilingual. Why not add Sign Language to your repertoire?
Happy Signing!
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