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[H1677]How To Teach Baby Sign Language

by Lisa Baade, Lis

Baby Sign Language is based on keyword signing and is not the same as adult sign language. There are many systems that provide baby sign language based on ASL, BSL or AUSLAN but these are all based on adult sign language. Baby Sign Language should be specifically tailored to suit the age level it is aimed at which is 3-30 months. By 30 months of age most children are able to communicate and be understood by their families and the signs are no longer required. These Baby Signs should be used as a temporary bridging gap between pre-verbal and verbal years.

If you have decided to start teaching baby sign language there is one very important thing you need to remember. Signing does not replace speech. This is the largest difference that separates baby sign language from sign language for adults. You are trying to encourage communication so flood your baby with words. When you speak certain keywords, include the sign, don't emit the spoken word.

Apart from that, there really isn't much to it. If you follow the same pattern you would use to teach your child to wave hello or goodbye then you will pick it up in no time at all. Here are some simple tips to get you started.

Make sure that you use the sign in relevant situations. If you are signing for milk, make sure it is just before their feed time and reward them with the milk to enhance the comprehension.

Ensure your baby is in the mood. If they are tired or hungry they are not going to be interested. If this is the case, just sign to them for consistency and provide them with their needs. Don't make it a negative experience or they are likely to want to forget about doing it.

The progress from baby sign language to speech should occur naturally. If you have been using baby sign language with your child from an early age it is likely that they will start to develop speech much earlier than their peers. By providing them with a communication tool such as baby sign language, they will realize the benefits of communication earlier and be looking for more complex ways to get their point across.

The transition from baby sign language to speech will depend on how you have been using the sign language. Providing that you have not replaced the need for speech with the use of signs everything should be fine. Signing will usually increase the comprehension of words and so when coupled with the spoken language will be a great benefit in the child's speech development.

Make sure you sign to them while they are watching and so that they can see your hands clearly. Don't make it too complicated. Although they are attracted to movement, you want to make it as easy for them to copy as possible. This is why baby sign language is specifically designed to be within the capabilities of the baby and shouldn't involve finger spelled signs.

By teaching your baby how to sign, you are jumpstarting her communication with you, and by helping her communicate her needs, you will meet them faster too.

Although some believe teaching your baby to sign may delay her speech a little, there are a lot of benefits to sign language. Your baby starts noticing signs as early as six months, and she may start using sign language from the seventh or eight month itself. However, speech will still take a much longer time. A child's muscles in her hand develop before the muscles needed for speech do, and as soon as her hand muscles develop, she is ready to start communicating with you. And she needs your help to show her how she can do so.

Frustration

If she can start signing for what she wants, she will be able to express her needs instead of crying and feeling frustrated because of her inability to communicate. Trying to figure out the reason a baby is crying is like playing a guessing game. Is she hungry, or thirsty? Is she sleepy? If she can sign, she can tell you exactly what she wants before her need overwhelms her and causes her to scream. Thus a baby who can sign is likely to be more at peace.

Few words

You don't need to teach your baby a number of words. Babies have very few needs at this stage, and they essentially revolve over milk, water, food, sleep… and perhaps a few signs for her favourite toys. Teaching her just a few of these words should be enough for her to communicate most of her wants until she starts speaking.

Tips

Keep stating the word loud and clear as you make the sign, and keep signing and using the word as often as possible, everywhere you go, and every time you get a chance. Be consistent, and keep using the same sign in the same manner every time, until your baby gets it.

Don't forget to show your baby the object as well, as the word by itself may have no meaning.

Take a glass of water to your baby, let her sip it and keep saying water. As you say water, you can also show her a sign for the word. The sign should be simple enough for her to emulate, and can be something as basic as making a fist. She should be able to signal that she wants to eat by putting all her fingers to her mouth.

Encourage and applaud your baby every time she gets a sign right.

Even if you are not convinced about the benefits of signing, do try and teach your baby just a couple of signs, perhaps for food or sleep. Remember, we have been using signs since time immemorial with our children. Waving bye bye for example is one sign babies universally pick up and seemingly with very little effort. That's because you and everyone around you has been teaching your baby to wave consistently, and at the appropriate moment, without really giving it much thought. Bye bye is one sign you didn't have to learn, while you may need to give some thought if you want to teach her other signs too. Do make the effort though, it's well worth it.

Article Source : Pg. 42

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Both Lisa Baade & V Chopra are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Lisa Baade has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Concerns. Download your from. Lisa Baade's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.

V Chopra has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Concerns, Parenting and Babies. Author is an expert in beauty and health related issues.Get information on , know more about. V Chopra's top article generates over 720 views. to your Favourites.