Sign Language for Babies
Sign language has proven to provide babies, parents, and caregivers
a valuable language skill that helps to not only reduce parent / child
communication frustrations but to greatly increase usable vocabulary.
Sign language for babies provides them with a language skill where they can use their hands to speak. With ASL for babies you are giving them a physical language they can speak with their hands many months before they can speak. Baby sign language allows babies to express their wants and feelings effectively helping to reduce the “crying guessing game.” Teaching baby sign language to your infant will provide you with a window to their thoughts before they can speak. Even after they begin to speak, babies who have been taught baby sign language often have twice the usable vocabulary of non-signing babies.
Baby sign language really works:
- Researcher and author Dr. Marilyn Daniels found that ASL for babies helps them to achieve the ability to construct language with their hands at least six to twelve months earlier than they can say words.
- Babies are not lacking in understanding of language. They can understand much more than they can say. Babies are only lacking in the traditional verbal means to communicate and when you use ASL with babies it allows babies to express themselves non-verbally.
- Baby sign language helps them to foster an enthusiasm for learning. The increased vocabulary in spoken and signed words gives babies a way to learn more about the world around them.
- Baby sign language encourages brain development during the first two years of life by offering experiences and opportunities to them that are critical to the development of neural pathways, synapses and dendrites that govern their cognitive, motor and socioemotional learning and development.
Keep these things in mind when teaching baby sign language featuring ASL for babies:
- ASL for babies requires no previous signing experience. Anyone can do it.
- Begin teaching baby sign language simply. With very young babies, choose a few ASL signs to start and add more as they begin to sign back.
- Use ASL for babies consistently. Sign the word every time you say they word.
- Choose baby sign language words to teach that go to the heart of communication and words that will help to reduce parent/child frustrations. Our FREE DOWNLOAD Jump Start Chapter from Babies Can Talk will provide you with the most popular baby signs along with valuable insights and instructions.
- Baby sign language works best when you have their attention when signing.
- Set up special baby sign language signing times where you can focus on words you are teaching. Meal time, bath time, and play time are especially good for this.
- Be patient. Babies all begin to sign at different times and for different reasons. Keep teaching baby sign language consistently and they will sign back generally between 10 to 14 months.
- Be positive. Reward and encourage all your baby sign language efforts.
